Top stories in gastroenterology: FDA Fast Track status for IBS drug, more applications explored for fecal microbiota transplantation

Among the top stories in gastroenterology is an announcement from OrphoMed that the FDA has granted Fast Track status for development of its diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome drug candidate. Fecal microbiota transplantation has emerged as a highly effective option for Clostridium difficile infection; however, research is expanding to evaluate the approach in other chronic conditions. Other stories include two hospitals investigating an at-home test designed to monitor gluten consumption among people on a gluten-free diet, recognizing potential disease severity is crucial in determining the future treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, and people older than 60 years of age taking long-term proton pump treatment are at increased risk for developing pneumonia.

FDA fast tracks IBS-D drug candidate

Biopharmaceutical company OrphoMed announced that the FDA has granted Fast Track status to speed development of its drug candidate for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Read More.

Fecal transplant shows promise in IBD, other chronic conditions

Fecal microbiota transplantation has emerged as a highly effective treatment option for Clostridium difficile infection, but as the understanding of its effects on the gut microbiome increases, research is expanding to evaluate the approach in other chronic conditions, according to a speaker at the Interdisciplinary Autoimmune Summit. Read More.

At-home gluten test to be evaluated in clinical studies

Two hospitals with ties to the Harvard Medical School Celiac Research Program will investigate an at-home test called Gluten Detective designed to monitor gluten consumption in people on a gluten-free diet. Read More.

IBD prognosis must be considered to optimize therapy, expert says

Recognizing potential disease severity rather than exclusively focusing on current symptoms will be crucial in the future treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, according to a presentation given at the Interdisciplinary Autoimmune Summit. Read More.

Reflux drugs linked to long-term pneumonia risk in elderly

People older than 60 years who took proton pump inhibitors long-term showed an increased risk for developing pneumonia, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Read More.