AMRI has selected a compound from its research program for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to advance to preclinical testing. The company plans to submit an IND with the FDA in 2011.

AMRI’s drug candidate is a 5-HT3 receptor partial agonist shown to moderate the function of 5-HT3 receptors, which is an approach that could be particularly beneficial in treatment of the non-constipation forms of IBS.

“We are pleased to announce another significant achievement emerging from our R&D efforts, this on the heels of the news that an AMRI anti-obesity compound was entered into Phase I testing in July,” said chairman, chief executive officer and president Thomas E. D’Ambra, Ph.D.