To the LAG Members:

We want to give you an update on the progress of the LAG and the status of
Lotronex.

The steering committee as well as many of the members have worked extremely hard
and have made several accomplishments in the effort to bring Lotronex back to
the market.  The first step was to bring attention to all parties involved that
there is a significant number of people that suffer from severe IBS-D.  The
second was to bring attention to the fact that many people significantly
benefitted from Lotronex, and that there is no other comparable medicine on the
market.  The third step was to bring both the FDA and Glaxo Smith Kline together
to discuss options for renewed marketing of the medicine.  The fourth step,
which is still ongoing, is to make sure both parties understand the desperation
and urgency of the issue.

To date, both the FDA and GSK have come together to work on resolving the issue.
We hope all understand that this is a major achievement for all of us.  Without
all of our efforts, the issue would have dissappeared and both sides would have
moved on to other business leaving those of us in need with no hope.

We would like to share with you a message received by a member of the steering
committee from Dr. Janet Woodcock (FDA):

"I can imagine how frustrating it must be to have something that is so
important in your life, not be at all under your control--and not be
able to get information either.

We are working diligently, and I believe there is will on both sides to
come to resolution.  Any public discussion at this point might be
seriously counterproductive.  Really sorry I can't say more."

Janet W.   (2/26/01)


As you can see, there is a genuine effort on both sides to work towards a
resolution.  With that said, you are probably wondering what the next step is.
The steering committee feels that because the issues surrounding the medicine
are complicated and extremely sensitive, due to fact some people were harmed by
the medicine, staying the current course is best until we find out the outcome
of the ongoing talks.

We encourage all of are members to keep calling, emailing and writing the FDA
and GlaxoSmithKline in order to show them we are not going away until the
medicine is brought back to the market.  We also would encourage everyone to
express urgency of the situation and the fact that we have no other effective
medical treatment for our illness.  While very difficult, patience is also
needed right now.  It is still going to take time for the issue to be resolved.
Please do not get discouraged.

Shortly, the LAG will be sending the petition, that has been signed by over 900
people and is growing everyday, to the FDA and GSK.  Please keep up your
efforts.  If you have not called, emailed or written a letter in a while, please
do so.  Everytime you feel frustrated or discouraged, direct that energy toward
the FDA & GSK by contacting them again and again.  Let's keep our voices heard
until the issue is resolved.

Thanks for all your help and effort!

Sincerely,

Tom Bell, Coordinator
Richard Fireman, Coordinator
Corey Miller, Coordinator

In partnership with the IBS Self Help Group

Jeff Roberts, President