Almirall receives EU approval for IBS-C therapy Constella

Almirall and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals have announced that the European Commission has approved Constella, their new treatment for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

The oral once-daily medication utilises the active ingredient linaclotide and has been shown to reduce visceral pain by decreasing pain-fibre activity, while accelerating gastrointestinal transit by increasing intestinal fluid secretion.

It is the first and only medicine approved in Europe for the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe IBS-C in adults that has been clinically proven to relieve abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating and constipation associated with the condition.

Almirall will handle the EU commercialisation of the drug, which will commence during the first half of 2013.

Eduardo Sanchiz, chief executive officer at Almirall, said: "This new medicine has the potential to improve some of the hallmark symptoms of IBS-C patients, who up until now have had few treatment options."

Earlier this month, the company announced the appointment of Dr Karin Louise Dorrepaal as a new independent board member, becoming the first female member of its board of directors.