IBS trial wins ‘Research Paper of the Year’ award

Research into a drug for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been recognised with a prestigious award.

A paper from the ATLANTIS trial has been awarded Research Paper of the Year by the Royal College of General Practitioners.

The research, published in The Lancet, showed that a low dose of amitriptyline can be an effective treatment for IBS. Southampton’s Professor Hazel Everitt was Co-chief Investigator.

The trial was led by researchers at the Universities of Southampton, Leeds and Bristol. It was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

What is IBS?

IBS affects around 1 in 20 people worldwide. It causes abdominal pain and changes to bowel movements. The long-term condition, which has no known cure, fluctuates in severity over time.

It can have a substantial impact on quality of life and ability to work and socialise. Most treatments only have a modest effect, and people often have ongoing symptoms.

Improved IBS symptoms

The trial assessed low-dose amitriptyline as a second-line treatment. This means it would be given to people with IBS whose symptoms did not improve after first-line treatments.

Overall, 463 people took part. Those who took amitriptyline were almost twice as likely to report an improvement in symptoms than those taking a placebo.

Giving GPs confidence

Amitriptyline is a widely available prescription drug. It is commonly given at low doses for a range of health concerns, including back pain, sleep problems and migraines.

It is hoped these results will give GPs the confidence to prescribe this medicine to patients.

Hazel Everitt, Professor of Primary Care Research at the University of Southampton, said: “We are delighted that our research has received this prestigious Royal College award.

“Prior to ATLANTIS, GPs rarely prescribed amitriptyline for IBS as the research evidence was uncertain, but the ATLANTIS trial has provided good evidence of benefit.

“The award will help raise awareness of low dose amitriptyline as an option for GPs to offer to people with IBS. To support this, we have made available the document participants used during the trial to self-adjust their medication dose depending on symptoms and side effects.”