The development of a polymeric site specific delivery device to aid in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome using alternative therapeutic agents

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, recurrent, functional bowel disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and disturbed bowel movements usually together with bloating. IBS affects 10–20% of the adult population worldwide and causes significant morbidity, quality-of life impairment, and burden on the healthcare system (Longstreth, et al., 2006). Despite sometimes being regarded as a trivial condition, IBS is in fact a major and under recognised health problem. Studies have suggested that in severely affected patients, their quality of life is comparable with that of life threatening conditions such as end stage renal failure and diabetes mellitus (Gralnek, et al., 2000). The field of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) appears to be entering a new and exciting phase; evidence that at least some aspects of this disorder represent an organic or neurologic bowel disease has firmed, and novel management approaches are currently under investigation