A new drug for treating constipation predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) could be available within weeks.

     The new medication, called Zelnorm (known by the generic name tegaserod and outside the U.S. as Zelmac) was recommended for approval by an advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is expected to be approved for use in women only, and is the first drug developed specifically for treatment of constipating IBS.

     About one-third of all IBS sufferers, some 15 million men and women in the U.S. alone, have constipation as their main symptom. Zelnorm is taken twice a day and treats symptoms of constipation, pain, and bloating.

     Zelnorm works by activating the serotonin 4 receptor. The serotonin 4 receptor is responsible for motility, and how fast stool travels through the colon. In constipating IBS, colon motility is slowed, causing stool to build up in the colon. By activating the receptor, motility is increased, which prevents constipation.

     Zelnorm is expected to be approved for use in women from 25-60. Future studies for men are being planned and Dr. Martin Lefkowitz of Novartis Pharma (which developed Zelnorm) doesn't anticipate "any safety problems".