New Drug for Gastric Ulcers; Linzess for Kids’ Constipation; IBD Meds Safe in Utero

The FDA approved an oral suspension product that combines omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate (Konvomep) to treat benign active gastric ulcers and reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeds in critically ill patients, Azurity Pharmaceuticals announced.

Topline results from a phase III trial showed linaclotide (Linzess) met both primary and secondary endpoints, showing improvements in frequency of spontaneous bowel movements and stool consistency for children ages 6 to 17 with functional constipation, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals announced.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the risk of acute arterial events are linked. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Malnutrition and sarcopenia were similarly common in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. (Digestive Diseases and Sciences)

Patients with IBD were more likely to be hospitalized and develop sepsis if they also had diabetes, according to a meta-analysis in Digestive and Liver Disease.

Dupilumab (Dupixent) was safe and effective for patients with IBD who had atopic dermatitis or dermatitis that was induced or worsened by the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. (Digestive Diseases and Sciences)

In-utero exposure to IBD medications was not linked to early-life malignancy compared with unexposed children, a French study found. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Could the use of a diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system with machine learning help differentiate esophageal and gastric cancer margins in real time during surgery? (JAMA Surgery)

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of acupuncture points improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation by increasing both colon transit and the threshold for rectal sensation, according to a randomized trial from China. (American Journal of Gastroenterology)

Restarting infliximab (Remicade) treatment was safe and induced clinical remission for one-third of patients with Crohn’s disease, regardless of the reason they had for stopping it before, a French study found. (American Journal of Gastroenterology)