A clinical trial that is investigating a drug designed to treat ulcerative colitis has completed patient enrolment, reports Business Wire.
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory bowel condition. The severity of the symptoms varies between patients and over time, and for some people the condition can become debilitating. In ulcerative colitis the lining of the colon (bowel) develops small ulcers that release blood and pus. The condition is marked by symptoms such as frequent bouts of diarrhoea, often containing blood or pus, stomach pains, and frequent needs to empty your bowels. Other symptoms include fatigue, arthritis, and appetite and weight loss. Flare-ups of the condition can be associated with symptoms such as an irregular or fast heartbeat, a fever, and shortness of breath. The cause of flare-ups is usually unknown, although they have been suggested to be linked to stress and gut infections. Almost 1 million people living in the US are thought to be affected by the condition. Treatment usually aims to reduce the severity of the symptoms through preventing and treating flare-ups. Many patients take medications, and some may need surgery.