As the person who "Persistence" mentioned in her note, let me bring you up to date on Lotronex.At our last meeting, which Persitence missed--shame, shame,--a representative of Glaxxo sat in to listen to the attendees talk about their symptoms and how it affects them. While she could not give out specific information on the drug at the meeting, I can tell you some news:According to the company, the approval application runs out on March 31. That means they expect the drug to be approved by then, but it is possible that the FDA could postpone it. (I think it's unlikely.)Lotronex is expected to be a big money maker for Glaxxo but the company is determined to spend quite a bit on public awareness of this illness. I am working closely with them on this. I can't, at this time, discuss it further.Lotronex will not be for everyone. It is meant for people who have pain and diarrhea. Further studies are going on with the drug, especially those with men. It is believed that a higher dose will be needed for the males, and that's what the testing is about. As we've all learned, there isn't one thing that brings IBS under control. We must each look for those things that work for us individually. There are other drugs for IBS that are currently being tested and expected to be available within one or two years. I beleive the the approval of Lotronex will open the door to quickly get more IBS drugs on the market. One last thing--while I am working with Glaxxo, and they may make a financial grant to our group, we will remain completely independent, and open to discussing all types of treatments whether they be medical, alternative, nutritional, psychological, and the like.
