Real-World Evidence on the Safe and Effective Use of a Medical Device Made of Natural Substances for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Background/Objectives: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a widely prevalent chronic disorder of brain–gut interaction which represents a clinical challenge due to its complex underlying causes and the lack of a standardized treatment approach. This cross-sectional research collected real-world data (RWD) on the effectiveness, safety, and usage pattern of a natural substance-based medical device, Colilen IBS, indicated for the treatment of IBS. Methods: Surveys were conducted both in Italy and Germany with 6101 participants, including 4425 patients, 1014 pharmacists, and 662 physicians using a structured GxP web platform that allows voluntary participants to share their experiences with the device. The validated platform was designed to comply with post-market surveillance requirements of EU Regulation 2017/745. Statistical analyses included descriptive evaluations of responses to gauge overall effectiveness and safety of the device. Results: The effectiveness reported with the medical device was judged extreme or great by 79.2% of patients, with 89.2% of whom observed symptom improvement within one month. Both safety and tolerability were rated extreme or great by 90.7% of patients. Healthcare professionals reported a similar rate on the overall effectiveness, with 94.9% of pharmacists and 95.9% of physicians indicating it extreme or great. Similarly, the safety profile was corroborated by nearly all pharmacists (97.0%) and physicians (98.2%) reporting extreme or great satisfaction with both safety and tolerability of the medical device. Conclusions: This research provides RWD supporting the effectiveness and safety of the product for treating IBS. The strong coherence among patients, pharmacists, and physicians in positively rating the device’s performance suggests that this medical device represents a therapeutic option that effectively addresses patient needs while minimizing safety concerns. Continuous RWD collection is essential, as it offers insights into real-world practice and ensures ongoing confirmation of the product’s safety and effectiveness. Ultimately, this will advance IBS patient care by integrating real-world evidence into clinical management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Gastroenterology Insights
Published
2026-01-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent17010008
Primary Topic
Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
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article
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article

Real-World Evidence on the Safe and Effective Use of a Medical Device Made of Natural Substances for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

R. Salvia, Emiliano Giovagnoni, Roberto Cioeta, Paola Muti et al.
Gastroenterology Insights
Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
article

Real-World Evidence on the Safe and Effective Use of a Medical Device Made of Natural Substances for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

R. Salvia, Emiliano Giovagnoni, Roberto Cioeta, Paola Muti, Marta Rigoni, Valeria Idone, Maria Chiara Moretti, Piero Portincasa
article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a widely prevalent chronic disorder of brain–gut interaction which represents a clinical challenge due to its complex underlying causes and the lack of a standardized treatment approach. This cross-sectional research collected real-world data (RWD) on the effectiveness, safety, and usage pattern of a natural substance-based medical device, Colilen IBS, indicated for the treatment of IBS. Methods: Surveys were conducted both in Italy and Germany with 6101 participants, including 4425 patients, 1014 pharmacists, and 662 physicians using a structured GxP web platform that allows voluntary participants to share their experiences with the device. The validated platform was designed to comply with post-market surveillance requirements of EU Regulation 2017/745. Statistical analyses included descriptive evaluations of responses to gauge overall effectiveness and safety of the device. Results: The effectiveness reported with the medical device was judged extreme or great by 79.2% of patients, with 89.2% of whom observed symptom improvement within one month. Both safety and tolerability were rated extreme or great by 90.7% of patients. Healthcare professionals reported a similar rate on the overall effectiveness, with 94.9% of pharmacists and 95.9% of physicians indicating it extreme or great. Similarly, the safety profile was corroborated by nearly all pharmacists (97.0%) and physicians (98.2%) reporting extreme or great satisfaction with both safety and tolerability of the medical device. Conclusions: This research provides RWD supporting the effectiveness and safety of the product for treating IBS. The strong coherence among patients, pharmacists, and physicians in positively rating the device’s performance suggests that this medical device represents a therapeutic option that effectively addresses patient needs while minimizing safety concerns. Continuous RWD collection is essential, as it offers insights into real-world practice and ensures ongoing confirmation of the product’s safety and effectiveness. Ultimately, this will advance IBS patient care by integrating real-world evidence into clinical management.

Gastroenterology InsightsVol. 17(1)
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (IT), University of Milan (IT), MultiMedica (IT), Aboca (Italy) (IT), Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IT), University of Bari Aldo Moro (IT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 78%
Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
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