Top stories in gastroenterology: FDA accepts new drug application for H. pylori therapy, gastric cancer rates higher among patients treated for H. pylori

Among the top stories in gastroenterology last week were the FDA accepting an NDA for a Helicobacter pylori infection therapy, along with a study that found patients who receive antibiotic treatment for H. pylori infection experience gastric cancer at rates higher than the general population.

Other highlights included research that determined patients with Crohn’s disease who had higher serum drug levels of Entyvio experienced better rates of endoscopic remission, a study that found patients who received Stelara every 8 weeks had improved histologic response in Crohn’s disease and a study that found individuals who actively smoked experienced worse outcomes after bariatric surgery.

FDA accepts NDA for H. pylori therapy

RedHill Biopharma announced that the FDA has accepted a new drug application for its Helicobacter pylori infection therapy, Talicia. Read more.

Gastric cancer rates higher among patients treated for H. pylori

Patients who receive antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection experience gastric cancer at rates higher than the general population, and several risk factors can increase that risk even further. Read more.

Higher Entyvio serum levels linked to mucosal healing in Crohn’s

Patients with Crohn’s disease who had higher serum drug levels of Entyvio experienced better rates of endoscopic remission, according to study results published in Gastroenterology. Read more.

Stelara every 8 weeks helps improve histologic response in Crohn’s

Patients with Crohn’s disease who underwent either induction or maintenance therapy with Stelara experienced better histologic improvement compared with placebo, and those who received the drug every 8 weeks saw the greatest improvement, according to study results. Read more.

Smoking and bariatric surgery do not mix

Individuals who actively smoked experienced worse outcomes after bariatric surgery, including death and serious morbidity. Read more.