Elobixibat

Elobixibat is an inhibitor of the ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT), undergoing development in clinical trials for the treatment of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Elobixibat is an inhibitor of the ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT), undergoing development in clinical trials for the treatment of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). IBAT is the bile acid:sodium symporter responsible for the reuptake of bile acids in the ileum which is the initial step in the enterohepatic circulation. By inhibiting the uptake of bile acids, elobixibat increases the bile acid concentration in the gut, and this accelerates intestinal passage and softens the stool. Following several phase II studies, it is now undergoing phase III trials. The drug was developed by Albireo AB, who licensed it to Ferring Pharmaceuticals for further development and marketing. Albireo has partnered with Ajinomoto Pharmaceuticals, giving the Japan-based company the rights to further develop the drug and market it throughout Asia.