Knight Therapeutics Launches IBS-C Treatment IBSRELA in Canada

Knight Therapeutics Inc. has announced the commercial availability of IBSRELA™ (tenapanor) in Canada. The therapy is indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults.

IBSRELA is described as a first-in-class treatment that acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract. Its mechanism of action involves reducing sodium absorption from the small and large intestines, aiming to increase bowel movements and decrease abdominal pain in IBS-C patients.

The drug received approval from Health Canada on April 15, 2020, and is now covered by most private insurance providers in the country. Knight Therapeutics holds the exclusive rights to commercialize IBSRELA in Canada through a licensing agreement with Ardelyx, Inc.

Diarrhea was reported as the most common adverse event during clinical development, often occurring within the first week of treatment. Tenapanor is also being evaluated for hyperphosphatemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.