Otilonium bromide, a drug used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, maintains its efficacy up to 10 weeks following administration.

The results of the international study OBIS (Otilonium Bromide in Irritable Bowel Syndrome) on the Otilonium bromide molecule were presented at the World Congress of Gastroenterology in London by Menarini.

The OBIS Study, conducted according to the most recent guidelines, confirmed the significantly superior efficacy of Otilonium bromide administered for 15 weeks in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome compared to placebo and demonstrated that it maintains its efficacy in a high percentage of patients for up to 10 weeks following treatment. Therefore, the OBIS Study confirmed the molecule’s fundamental role in the treatment of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

"These results contribute to the prestige of Italian research," remarked Dr. Massimo Notari, International Medical Director of the Menarini Group.

Otilonium bromide is the fruit of Menarini’s own research and has been on the market for over 30 years in over 40 countries.

IBS is a highly diffused disease and approximately 20% of the population suffers from it in varying degrees with serious social and economic consequences. A study conducted in 2003 calculated that the direct and indirect costs of IBS in the ten major EU countries amount to € 28.4 billion (source: Delvaux (2003) Functional bowel disorders and irritable bowel syndrome in Europe. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 18, 75-79).

Florence, November 30, 2009