Health Canada Approves Viberzi for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Allergan has received Health Canada approval for its Viberzi (eluxadoline) for the treatment of adults with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

Viberzi improves diarrhea and abdominal pain by interacting with mu and delta opioid receptors in the intestine to slow GI motility and reduce visceral pain. Activation of the mu-receptor reduces diarrhea while antagonism of the delta-receptor enhances the analgesic activity and reduces the risk of constipation.

In two Phase III trials, the drug demonstrated a significant reduction in abdominal pain and diarrhea in as early as one to four weeks with sustained relief throughout the study.

Viberzi is also available for use in the U.S., and is approved in Europe as Truberzi.