Arbaprostil: a cytoprotective dose is ineffective for duodenal ulcer healing

In a multinational randomised double-blind study, 71 men and 11 women with duodenal ulcer received capsules of the prostaglandin arbaprostil [U 42842; Upjohn] 10 ~g or placebo qid for 28 days. Antacid tablets could be taken when necessary for pain relief.

There were no significant between-treatment differences in pain relief or the rate of ulcer healing. After 2 weeks, ulcer healing was seen in 26% of patients receiving arbaprostil vs 24% of patients receiving placebo and after 4 weeks, healing was seen in 50% vs 45% of patients, respectively. One patient receiving arbaprostil withdrew from treatment because of flushing. Thus, a cytoprotective dose of arbaprostil was not found to be clinically effective in healing duodenal ulcers. Euler AR. Tytgat G. Berenguer J. Brunner H. Wood DR. et al Gastroenterology 92 604·607. Mar t987

0156-2703/87/0328-0005/0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press INPHARMA" 28 Mar 1987 5