Palatable Bowel Preparation for Improved Colonoscopies

Technology

Dr. Pochapin has developed a two-step oral bowel preparation regimen designed to improve palatability for patients and ensure optimal colonic cleansing prior to colonoscopy procedures. The preparation was designed based upon first-hand patient experiences and observations gathered during Dr. Pochapin’s countless colonoscopies performed over the last 30 years. The first step involves drinking up to 2 liters of a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based solution, formulated as a tasty milkshake, on the evening before the procedure. This fiber-free solution is specifically designed to leave no residue in the colon and is enhanced with an anti-foaming agent (e.g., simethicone) and an antispasmodic agent (e.g., ginger) to minimize bubbles, reduce muscle spasms, and facilitate complete visualization during the examination. The second step involves eating a magnesium citrate popsicle on the morning of the procedure. This innovative bowel preparation regimen not only enhances the patient experience but also ensures a more thorough colon cleansing, ultimately contributing to more successful colonoscopy outcomes.

Background

In the United States, over 15 million colonoscopies are performed annually, primarily for colon cancer screening. Patients often find the bowel preparation step before the procedure to be the most challenging and unenjoyable part. Bowel preparation involves clearing the colon of stool and residue to ensure clear visibility during the colonoscopy. Unfortunately, consumption of standard bowel preparation solutions (e.g., MiraLAX, Suprep, SUTAB) often lead to nausea and vomiting due to their unpleasant taste, the large volume required, and poor appetite suppression. Accordingly, many patients struggle to complete the preparation, resulting in incomplete bowel cleansing and leading to poor colonoscopy outcomes and repeat procedures. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative bowel preparation products that are more palatable and improve patient compliance by effectively cleansing the colon.

Development Stage

NYU is seeking an experienced and well-resourced commercial partner to support the further development and clinical testing of this product with the end goal of bringing a superior bowel preparation to market to enhance patient experience and outcomes during colon-related medical procedures.

Applications 

• Bowel preparation for medical procedures such as colonoscopies, colectomies, endoscopies, rectal surgeries, and hemorrhoidectomies.  
  
• Laxative for constipation.
  

Advantages

• Enhanced patient comfort: Preparation is palatable, like drinking a smoothie or milkshake, and includes antispasmodic agent.
  
• Improved compliance: Patients are more likely to complete the full regimen due to the preparation’s palatability and lower dosage (1-2 vs. 4 liters).
  
• Clearer visualization: Preparation is fiber-free and includes an anti-foaming agent.
  

Intellectual Property

NYU has filed a U.S. provisional patent application covering the compositions of the milkshake solution and magnesium citrate popsicle, and the method of administering such compositions before colon-related medical procedures, including colonoscopies.