Does Irsogladine Reduce Intestinal Damage from NSAIDs?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with an increased risk for lesions and bleeding throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Although proton-pump inhibitors can reduce lesions in the stomach and duodenum, they cannot prevent or treat intestinal damage. Recently, investigators in Japan evaluated the potential of irsogladine, a mucosal protective agent, to reduce NSAID-associated intestinal damage.

Patients taking NSAIDs at least once daily for ≥4 weeks were screened for small bowel lesions using capsule endoscopy. Of 61 patients screened, 41 (67%) had lesions and were randomized to receive either irsogladine (4 mg daily) or no treatment for 4 weeks, at which time capsule endoscopy was repeated by evaluators blinded to t…