Parallel™

A New Way To Address IBS

We’re developing an 8-week, clinically validated, digital program for people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Why We Need a New Approach

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic GI condition that can cause abdominal pain with altered bowel habits (diarrhea and/or constipation). IBS can be accompanied by anxiety, depression or feelings of social isolation. Unfortunately many IBS patients continue to suffer from daily symptoms.

Patients are frustrated

71% of U.S. IBS patients have said they are dissatisfied with their care.1

There aren't many options

There are few effective IBS treatments and very limited options for patients suffering from IBS that alternates between diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M).

Symptoms aren't under control

79% of U.S. IBS patients feel they have either no control or inadequate control of their symptoms.2

1Drossman DA et al. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2009 July ; 43(6): 541–550
2 IBS Global Impact Report (2018)

Parallel Clinical Trial

The Parallel CBT program was tested in the world’s largest (n=558) randomized, controlled trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for IBS (the “ACTIB” Trial)3. Starting at just 3 months, patients enrolled in a minimal-contact digital CBT program experienced significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the severity of their IBS. At 12 months:

66%

66% of patients reported significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the severity of their IBS .

2x

On average, reduction in IBS severity was twice that of patients receiving medical care as usual.

3Everett et al. Gut. 2019 Sep;68(9):1613-1623.

How Does Parallel Work?

The Brain-Gut Connection

Science has revealed that your brain and your gut are in constant back-and-forth communication. In fact, they’re so connected that scientists even call the gut the “second brain.”

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) allows us to influence the communication between your brain and gut in order to improve IBS. Dr. Emeran Mayer explains in this short video.

Emeran Mayer, MD, Phd

Gastroenterologist

The Parallel Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy's benefit for gastrointestinal patients has been studied in a substantial number of clinical trials4. Mahana is conducting further trials of CBT for gastrointestinal conditions to demonstrate its safety and efficacy.

Personalized Feedback

As Parallel tracks your symptoms, it provides guidance based on the unique biological, environmental, and psychological aspects of your IBS.

Skills Training

You’ll develop new skills, build new habits, and get access to a toolkit of resources to help you live better with your IBS symptoms.

Complementary Treatment

Parallel won't replace your current treatment; it is intended to work in combination with any IBS medication your doctor may have prescribed.

4.Laird et al. Clin Gastro Hepatol. 2016;14:937-947.

Interested in our clinical trial?

If you're a qualified healthcare professional interested in participating in a Mahana clinical trial, contact our Clinical Team.

Get in Touch

Parallel, formerly known as Regul8, originally was developed by Rona Moss-Morris Ph.D, Head of Psychology Department, King’s College London (KCL) in collaboration with Trudie Chalder, Ph.D, Professor of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy and Alice Sibelli, Ph.D. at KCL and Dr. Hazel Everitt, Professor of Primary Care Research, University of Southampton. Initial clinical funding support was provided by the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)