This randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial involved 672 patients at increased risk of inadequate bowel preparation. The researchers compared a two-day regimen of linaclotide plus polyethylene glycol against placebo plus polyethylene glycol. The study aimed to see if the drug would help clear the bowel better for colonoscopy.
The main results showed no significant difference between the two groups regarding adequate bowel preparation rates. The study also found no difference in the mean number of adenomas detected per colonoscopy. These findings held true whether looking at all participants or only those who completed the protocol as planned.
However, the study did find a significant increase in the mean number of polyps in the right colon for patients taking linaclotide and polyethylene glycol. This increase was also seen in patients aged 70 years and older. No safety concerns or adverse events were reported in the study data. Readers should understand that this trial did not show a benefit for adding this specific medication to the standard bowel preparation.