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Top stories in gastroenterology: NSAIDs may not worsen IBD, increasing surgery election for nonmalignant colorectal polyps
Among the top stories in gastroenterology is recently published research that found that patients with nonmalignant colorectal polyps are undergoing invasive surgery at a significantly increasing rate. The use of NSAIDs may not be associated with exacerbated inflammatory bowel disease as is generally believed. Other stories include Ferring Pharmaceuticals announcing its acquisition of Rebiotix, CMS is facing increasing pressure to close the Medicare “colonoscopy loophole,” and a novel prebiotic in development has the potential to become the first FDA-approved treatment for lactose intolerance.
More patients electing surgery for nonmalignant colorectal polyps
Patients with nonmalignant colorectal polyps are undergoing invasive surgery at a significantly increasing rate over the past 14 years, according to research published in Gastroenterology. Read More.
NSAIDs may not exacerbate IBD as previously thought
Use of NSAIDs may not be associated with worsening of inflammatory bowel disease as is generally believed, according to a meta-analysis published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Read More.
Ferring acquires Rebiotix , C. diff drug candidate
Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced it will acquire Minnesota-based clinical microbiome company Rebiotix. Read More.
AGA: It’s time to close the Medicare colonoscopy loophole, reform Stark law
Recently, the American Gastroenterological Association urged physicians and patients to join them in pressuring CMS to close the Medicare “colonoscopy loophole,” in which patients are charged a co-pay for their screening colonoscopy if a polyp is found and removed. The association has provided an online form and pre-drafted letter for those who wish to contact CMS about this issue. Read More.
Novel prebiotic could help treat millions with severe lactose intolerance
RP-G28, a novel prebiotic in development for the treatment of lactose intolerance has the potential to become the first FDA-approved treatment for lactose intolerance, a condition that affects millions of Americans, according to the developer Ritter Pharmaceuticals. Read More.