Review article: New receptor targets for medical therapy in irritable bowel syndrome

Background: Despite setbacks to the approval of new medications for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, interim guidelines on endpoints for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) trials have enhanced interest as new targets for medical therapy are proposed based on novel mechanisms or chemical entities. Aims To review the approved lubiprostone, two targets that are not meeting expectations (tachykinins and corticotrophin-releasing hormone), the efficacy and safety of new 5-HT₄ agonists, intestinal secretagogues (chloride channel activators, and guanylate cyclase-C agonists), bile acid modulation, anti-inflammatory agents and visceral analgesics. Methods Review of selected articles based on PubMed search and clinically relevant information on mechanism of action, safety, pharmacodynamics and efficacy. Results The spectrum of peripheral targets of medical therapy addresses chiefly the bowel dysfunction of IBS and these effects are associated with pain relief. The pivotal mechanisms responsible for the abdominal pain or visceral sensation in IBS are unknown. The new 5-HT₄ agonists are more specific than older agents and show cardiovascular safety to date. Secretory agents have high specificity, low bioavailability and high efficacy. The potential risks of agents 'borrowed' from other indications (such as hyperlipidaemia, inflammatory bowel disease or somatic pain) deserve further study. Conclusions There is reason for optimism in medical treatment of IBS with a spectrum of agents to treat bowel dysfunction. However, visceral analgesic treatments are still suboptimal.