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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
10:37
Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Emerging drugs for irritable bowel syndrome
Chander Shekhar1, Peter J Whorwell
1University of Manchester, Neurogastroenterology Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Trust, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK. peter.whorwell@UHSM.NHS.UK
Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs
|November 27, 2009
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatments are inadequate, hindering pharmaceutical development due to side effects and regulatory hurdles. Despite challenges, new therapeutic targets offer hope for improved IBS management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent condition often underestimated in severity.
- Current pharmacological treatments for IBS are largely unsatisfactory.
- The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) pathway has been a focus for IBS drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges and progress in pharmaceutical development for IBS treatments.
- To discuss the impact of side effects and regulatory environments on drug discovery for IBS.
- To identify potential new therapeutic targets for IBS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of IBS pharmacological treatments.
- Analysis of drug development trends, focusing on 5-HT related therapies.
- Examination of regulatory perspectives on IBS severity.
Main Results:
- Drug development for IBS, particularly targeting 5-HT, has faced significant obstacles.
- Side effects and a perceived lenient regulatory climate have deterred pharmaceutical companies.
- Despite setbacks, new therapeutic targets are emerging in IBS research.
Conclusions:
- The development of effective pharmacological treatments for IBS remains a significant unmet need.
- Overcoming side effect profiles and regulatory perceptions is crucial for future IBS drug development.
- Emerging therapeutic targets offer potential for advancing IBS management.
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