GOTHENBURG, Sweden, November 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Albireo today announced the completion of a phase 1b study showing a favourable tolerability and safety profile of A3309 in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation. In addition, the data revealed appropriate efficacy signals in this patient population. A3309 is a first in class compound developed for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C). Based on these results, Albireo expects to recruit 180 patients with chronic idiopathic constipation in a US phase 2b study (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) under an IND recently placed into effect by the FDA.

Notes for Editors:

About CIC

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. Chronic idiopathic constipation is a more severe and disabling disease, which is not effectively managed by current treatment options. More than 4 million Americans have chronic constipation resulting in 9 million physician visits annually and in addition lead to more than 92,000 hospitalizations annually. In a survey study of 557 individuals with chronic constipation, 47% of respondents indicated a lack of satisfaction with treatment (82% citing lack of treatment efficacy as the reason for dissatisfaction).

About A3309

A3309 is a therapeutic alternative with a novel mechanism of action developed for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C). A3309 modulates the re-uptake of bile acids by inhibiting the ileal bile acid transporter. This will result in an increased concentration of bile acids in the colon which, in turn, increase fluid secretion and colonic motility. These physiological responses should provide benefits to patients with chronic constipation and IBS-C without any effects on other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

About Albireo

Albireo is an independent Swedish biotechnology company focused on the development of novel therapeutic alternatives to fulfill medical needs in the gastrointestinal area. Albireo was spun-out of AstraZeneca in February 2008 and is financed by a syndicate of growth capital firms, including Nomura Phase4 Ventures, TPG growth, TVM Capital and Scottish Widows Investment Partnership. The company has raised $40m in its Series A financing round (http://www.albireopharma.com).

SOURCE: Albireo

CONTACT: Jan Mattsson, VP Operations, Albireo AB, +46-31-741-14-84(direct), +46-768-08-35-04 (mobile)