C-Path PRO Consortium measure now included in FDA-approved label claim

Critical Path Institute's (C-Path) Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Consortium announces that clinical study results using the Consortium's Diary for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms-Constipation (DIBSS-C) were recently included in the expanded label for the drug LINZESS^® (linaclotide).

The DIBSS-C was developed by the PRO Consortium's Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Working Group to support the evaluation of both primary and key secondary endpoints related to improvements in IBS-C signs and symptoms within the context of clinical trials and is currently in FDA's Clinical Outcome Assessment Qualification Program.

Although the DIBSS-C was not specifically mentioned, results from its abdominal symptom scale were included in the updated label for LINZESS®. This is the first time a PRO Consortium measure has been used to support a label claim.

The multi-stakeholder collaboration within the Critical Path Institute's PRO Consortium, inclusive of sponsors, patients, measurement experts and FDA has been critical in being able to incorporate the patient's voice into a development program and product labeling. This is a huge win for patients to understand the impact of treatment on symptoms that matter to them and inform their treatment decision-making for this burdensome condition."

Robyn T. Carson, MPH, Vice President, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, at AbbVie and Co-Chair of the PRO Consortium's Irritable Bowel Syndrome Working Group

IBS is a chronic functional bowel disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain associated with alterations in bowel movements. Diagnosis of functional bowel disorders, like IBS, is based on symptom criteria because there are no consistent and reliable diagnostic biomarkers.

Because these symptoms are subject to natural variability, the DIBSS-C was developed as a daily and event-based diary to facilitate the collection of reliable data. The component of the DIBSS-C used to support the expanded LINZESS® label was the abdominal symptom scale, which assesses abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, and bloating.

"The use of patient-reported outcomes to support a treatment's label expansion reinforces FDA's commitment to the needs of the gastrointestinal illness community," noted Ceciel T. Rooker, President of International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders and a participant in the IBS Working Group.

"It is a clear indication that patient voices are being heard and a huge win for the community as a whole. IFFGD is proud to be a part of the PRO Consortium's IBS Working Group and we are excited to see the continued emphasis on meeting true patient needs by listening to patient voices."