News
New drug for constipation
22.04.2012
A new Icelandic drug made from fish oil is being tested at the Children’s Hospital in Reykjavik.
The drug was developed by Lipid Pharmaceuticals, a joint venture of the University of Iceland, The National University Hospital of Iceland and LYSI. It contains pure fish oil and fatty acids deriving from the oil and is given as suppository. The drugs used hitherto have been administered by injection which is more unpleasant for the patient.
Two studies on the impact of the fish oil suppositories on adults have been conducted. Results showed favourable effectiveness and did not reveal any elements of risk. Now the focus is turned towards children.
MD Orri Th. Ormarsson, surgeon and chief researcher, says that available drugs for constipation have not been studied to any extent when it comes to children. This study may well be the first of its kind but constipation is a very common health problem for children in Iceland.