Gastroparesis Symptoms: Unpredictable & Difficult To Treat
Undissolved drug tablets in stomach
Simpson, S.E., Clinical Toxicology, 2011
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Severe symptoms can cause malnutrition and require hospitalization
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Absorption of oral medications is impaired due to delayed emptying of stomach contents
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Vomiting further complicates effectiveness of oral medications
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Symptoms characteristic of a disease flare:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Upper Abdominal Pain
- Prolonged Fullness
- Early Satiety
- Vomiting
16 Million Patients with Gastroparesis Symptoms
- Estimated $3-4B prescription market
- $3.5B in additional hospitalization costs in 2004
- ~2-3M patients currently receive treatment
- Under-diagnosed in part due to lack of awareness
- Diabetes is number one known cause
- Increasing prevalence due to growing diabetes rate
- 80% of diabetic gastroparesis patients are women
Current Oral Treatment Options Lack Predictable Delivery
Motility & Symptoms
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Metoclopramide (1st line)
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Domperidone (not FDA-approved)
Motility
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Erythromycin (not FDA-approved)
Symptoms
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Odansetron, Promethazine (nausea & vomiting)
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PPI’s (upper abdominal pain)
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Narcotics (upper abdominal pain)
Oral Treatments and Inadequate Response
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Erratic absorption of oral drugs* (significant delay, dose dumping) or no absorption due to vomiting
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Unpredictable efficacy and potential safety concerns
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Lack of compliance due to nausea and other Gastroparesis symptoms