Velusetrag for the treatment of chronic constipation.
BACKGROUND
Chronic constipation is a frequent complaint in daily clinical practice. Notwithstanding the availability of numerous drugs, its treatment it is still unsatisfactory. However, new emerging treatments are in the pipeline and some drugs seem to be promising; among these velusetrag, a selective 5-HT4 receptors agonist.


METHODS
An in depth Medline literature search was performed concerning topics related to the treatment of constipated patients with velusetrag. In addition, abstracts concerning the topic were searched by hand in our libraries.


CONCLUSIONS
After analyzing the available data, the authors feel that velusetrag may likely improve symptoms and the quality of life of chronically constipated subjects. However, additional data is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of velusetrag, particularly in patients on long-term therapy. Thanks to the once-daily dosing and the pharmacologic properties, velusetrag could be used as a single agent or in association with other drugs. In the future, this drug holds the potential to be an effective adjunct to the therapeutic armamentarium for chronic constipation.
a Gastroenterology & Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine , University of Perugia Medical School , Perugia , Italy.
Gabrio
G
Bassotti
b Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Gastroenterology , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy.
Dario
D
Gambaccini
b Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Gastroenterology , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy.
Massimo
M
Bellini
D000818:Animals; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D058828:Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D058828:Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Agonists; C533727:TD-5108
Chronic constipation; laxatives; treatment; velusetrag