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Salix drug effective for bowel symptoms

http://www.reuters.com/article/idCNN0323553620100503?rpc=44

* Xifaxan relieves non-constipation IBS symptoms

* Shares rise 7 percent

LOS ANGELES, May 3 (Reuters) - A pivotal trial of Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd's <SLXP.O> Xifaxan has shown the antibiotic relieves symptoms, other than constipation, of irritable bowel syndrome, the company said on Monday.

Results from the 1,260-patient trial of a 550 mg dose of the drug were presented at the annual Digestive Disease Week meeting in New Orleans.

The trial found that 14 days of treatment with Xifaxan, also known as rifaximin, resulted in significant improvement of symptoms, including bloating, stool consistency and abdominal pain and discomfort, according to Salix.

It also said the safety profiles were similar between Xifaxan and placebo.

"It is notable that two weeks of rifaximin treatment resulted in a sustained response over three months; while, with other treatments, symptom relief dissipates rapidly after therapy is withdrawn," Bill Forbes, head of the company's research and development, said in a statement.

He said Salix is working to submit an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by the end of June.

Xifaxan is already approved by the FDA for so-called travelers' diarrhea caused by certain strains of E. coli bacteria and was approved in March for reducing the risk of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy, a disorder caused by chronic liver failure that can cause confusion, memory problems or coma.

Sales of the drug totaled $118 million last year.