Issa IA, Issa T. Advancing bowel preparation: DWJ1609 represents a patient-centered evolution in colonoscopy preparation. World J Gastroenterol 2026; 32(30): 118991 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.118991]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Iyad A Issa, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Harley Street Medical Center, Marina Village, Villa No. A21, Abu Dhabi 41475, United Arab Emirates. iyadissa71@gmail.com
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Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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Issa IA, Issa T. Advancing bowel preparation: DWJ1609 represents a patient-centered evolution in colonoscopy preparation. World J Gastroenterol 2026; 32(30): 118991 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.118991]
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 14, 2026; 32(30): 118991 Published online Aug 14, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.118991
Advancing bowel preparation: DWJ1609 represents a patient-centered evolution in colonoscopy preparation
Iyad A Issa, Taly Issa
Iyad A Issa, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Harley Street Medical Center, Abu Dhabi 41475, United Arab Emirates
Taly Issa, Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 24005, Cyprus
Author contributions: Issa IA designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Issa T contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; both authors contributed to the writing, and editing the manuscript, illustrations, review of literature and they have read and approved the final manuscript.
AI contribution statement: Claude AI was used for English language polishing of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: Both authors declare no conflict of interest.
Corresponding author: Iyad A Issa, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Harley Street Medical Center, Marina Village, Villa No. A21, Abu Dhabi 41475, United Arab Emirates. iyadissa71@gmail.com
Received: January 16, 2026 Revised: February 24, 2026 Accepted: April 21, 2026 Published online: August 14, 2026 Processing time: 188 Days and 16.4 Hours
Abstract
Bowel preparation quality remains a central determinant of colonoscopy success, yet patient intolerance to existing regimens continues to limit adherence to colorectal cancer screening. In a recent phase III randomized controlled trial, DWJ1609, a novel oral sulfate tablet (OST) formulation, was designed to improve the patient experience without compromising cleansing efficacy. By reducing sulfate content by approximately 75% and incorporating sodium picosulfate to maintain laxative effectiveness, DWJ1609 achieved a 96.97% successful cleansing rate, meeting noninferiority criteria compared with conventional OSTs. More importantly, the formulation demonstrated a markedly improved tolerability profile, with nearly half the rate of adverse drug reactions and substantial reductions in nausea and headache—symptoms that frequently deter patients from undergoing colonoscopy. These findings highlight a meaningful shift toward patient-centered bowel preparation, addressing a longstanding barrier to screening participation. While the study population was younger and healthier than typical screening cohorts, and further validation in high-risk groups is needed, the results suggest that DWJ1609 may offer a more acceptable and safer alternative for many patients. As colorectal cancer screening expands to younger populations, innovations that enhance preparation tolerability will play an increasingly important role in improving screening uptake and outcomes.
Core Tip: DWJ1609 is a next generation bowel preparation tablet that reduces sulfate content by 75% while maintaining excellent cleansing efficacy. In a phase III randomized trial, it significantly improved tolerability—particularly nausea and headache—without compromising safety. This patient-centered formulation may enhance adherence to colorectal cancer screening and represents a meaningful evolution in bowel preparation strategies.
