Salix Pharmaceuticals aims to simplify the preparation process for colonoscopies with its new FDA-approved bowel cleanser, Plenvu, the company announced May 7.
Plenvu is a liquid drug patients can drink to cleanse their bowels before a colonoscopy. The drug is available in a smaller volume than other traditional bowel cleansers, allowing patients to drink less liquid in preparation for the procedure.
"Studies have shown that high-volume bowel preparations can often be a deterrent to patients fully completing their preparation regimen," said Mark McKenna, senior vice president and general manager of Salix Pharmaceuticals.
Salix expects the drug to hit the market in the third quarter of 2018.