Plecanatide Improves Abdominal Bloating and Bowel Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation

Bloating is a bothersome symptom in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). To evaluate plecanatide efficacy in patients with IBS-C stratified by bloating intensity. Pooled phase 3 data (2 randomized, controlled IBS-C trials) from adults treated with plecanatide 3 mg or placebo for 12 weeks were analyzed. Patients were stratified post-hoc by baseline bloating severity (11-point scale: mild [≤ 5] and moderate-to-severe [> 5]). Assessments included change from baseline in bloating, abdominal pain, and complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) frequency. Abdominal pain and bloating composite responders were defined as patients with ≥ 30