Linaclotide

Excerpt

Linaclotide is an FDA-approved medication indicated for adults suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Linaclotide, administered daily, is a potent and highly selective agonist of guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) receptors in the intestine, offering a novel therapeutic approach with a favorable safety profile. Beyond its FDA-approved indications, linaclotide shows promise in managing refractory lower GI manifestations in systemic sclerosis patients and alleviating constipation induced by various factors such as opioid use, diabetes mellitus, neurological conditions, and post-surgery complications. With IBS-C and CIC affecting approximately 20% of the general population, including the geriatric community, safe and effective long-term prescribed treatments are needed when over-the-counter therapies fail.