- In May 2024, Ardelyx, Inc. announced the positive Phase 3 trial results of its investigational therapy tenapanor for IBS-C, showcasing significant improvements in abdominal pain and stool consistency. This milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, targeted treatments and marks a potential expansion in therapeutic options for constipation-predominant IBS patients. Ardelyx’s focus on sodium/hydrogen exchanger inhibitors represents a novel approach in gastrointestinal pharmacology, contributing to the evolving landscape of IBS care
- In March 2024, Bausch Health Companies Inc. and its gastroenterology arm Salix Pharmaceuticals expanded access to Xifaxan (rifaximin) in Europe through strategic partnerships. This move is aimed at strengthening the company’s international presence and improving treatment availability for IBS-D patients. The collaboration enhances distribution efficiency and supports physician awareness campaigns, signaling the firm’s intent to extend its global reach in the IBS therapeutics market
- In February 2024, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. entered into a collaboration with a digital health platform to develop AI-powered tools for IBS-C symptom tracking and personalized treatment support. This initiative reflects the growing integration of digital technology into chronic gastrointestinal disorder management, empowering patients with real-time monitoring and data-driven therapeutic recommendations. Ironwood aims to improve medication adherence and optimize outcomes for patients using Linzess (linaclotide)
- In January 2024, the U.S. FDA granted Fast Track designation to 9 Meters Biopharma’s NM-002, a long-acting injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of IBS-D. This designation accelerates the regulatory review process and highlights the potential of NM-002 as a first-in-class therapy addressing key unmet needs in the diarrhea-predominant IBS population. The development marks a significant step forward in diversifying treatment mechanisms and improving patient outcomes
- In December 2023, AlfaSigma S.p.A. launched a new formulation of rifaximin in select Asia-Pacific markets aimed at improving compliance and symptom relief in IBS-D. With a strong emphasis on microbiota modulation and non-systemic action, the updated formulation seeks to enhance tolerability and efficacy. This development demonstrates AlfaSigma’s commitment to expanding access to evidence-based IBS treatments, particularly in emerging markets where awareness and diagnosis rates are increasing
