Synergy Pharma Presents New Insights At Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Examining Patient And Physician Perceptions And Experiences With Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SGYP) today announced new insights that highlighted the frustrations many patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) feel with managing their condition. Detailed results from the BURDEN-CIC Study (Better Understanding and Recognition of the Disconnects, Experiences and Needs of Patients with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation) were presented today at Digestive Disease Week (DDW), in Chicago. Findings are based on results from an online survey of more than 1,200 patients and 325 healthcare providers (HCPs).

“The BURDEN-CIC Study sheds light on the dissatisfaction and frustration many patients and HCPs experience when managing CIC, which poses a significant challenge due to its wide range of symptoms”

Patients are significantly impacted by their CIC, but feel resigned to their condition. Surveyed patients noted their lives are significantly impacted by CIC in terms of participation in daily activities and measurable loss in productivity:

• More than 40% of patients reported being frustrated with CIC and more than a third (39%) reported that they are “accepting” of their condition.
• Patients report that productivity is impacted approximately five out of every 30 days each month, and personal activities are impacted about four of every 30 days of the month.

Patients feel a lack of symptom relief and treatment satisfaction. Among those surveyed, both HCPs (78%) and patients (59%) are not satisfied or not completely satisfied with current branded Rx treatment options available for the treatment of CIC:

• For HCPs, inadequate response to therapy, non-compliance, and side effects were noted as the top challenges with current treatments.
• For patients, efficacy and side effects were noted as two reasons for dissatisfaction with current treatment options, with 84% of patients stating his or her CIC is not fully relieved by current prescription treatments.

Both HCPs and patients said diarrhea is an unacceptable side effect with current CIC treatments:

• More than one-third (34%) of HCPs indicate that managing treatment-related diarrhea is a key challenge with current prescription treatments.
• More than half (54%) of patients that experienced diarrhea because of his or her prescription medication discontinued their treatment.
• Approximately 82% of HCPs and 70% of patients do not agree that diarrhea is an acceptable treatment outcome.

“The BURDEN-CIC Study sheds light on the dissatisfaction and frustration many patients and HCPs experience when managing CIC, which poses a significant challenge due to its wide range of symptoms,” said Lucinda A. Harris, M.D., Mayo Clinic. “Though HCPs are acknowledging patients’ discontent, there is a clear need for HCPs and patients living with CIC to have more productive conversations about the patient’s health and treatment options.”

About the BURDEN-CIC Study

The BURDEN-CIC Study (Better Understanding and Recognition of the Disconnects, Experiences, and Needs of Patients with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation) participants consisted of more than 1,200 patients who met CIC criteria (mean age, 48 years; 70 percent of respondents were female) and completed the 45-minute, 68-question, IRB-approved online questionnaire. The study also evaluated, through a 30-minute, 32-item questionnaire, more than 325 healthcare providers who treat patients with CIC.

About Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)

CIC affects approximately 14 percent of the global population, disproportionately affecting women and older adults. People with CIC have persistent symptoms of difficult-to-pass and infrequent bowel movements. In addition to physical symptoms including abdominal bloating and discomfort, CIC can adversely affect an individual’s quality of life, including increasing stress levels and anxiety.

About Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Synergy is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel GI therapies. The company has pioneered discovery, research and development efforts on analogs of uroguanylin, a naturally occurring and endogenous human GI peptide, for treatment of GI diseases and disorders. For more information, please visit www.synergypharma.com.

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