Asacol Acute Diverticulitis(DIVA)Study

A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of a 12 Week Treatment of Acute Diverticulitis With Asacol® 2.4 g/Day (400 mg Mesalamine Tablet), Followed by a 9 Month Treatment-free Observation Period

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Asacol® 2.4 g/day (400 mg Mesalamine) is safe and effective in the treatment of diverticulitis.

This study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Asacol® 2.4 g/day in generally healthy, adult patients who have had an attack of acute diverticulitis. The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 12 week treatment with Asacol® followed a 9 month non-treatment observation period in approximately 180 patients with acute diverticulitis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A clinical diagnosis of acute diverticulitis
• Female patients must be postmenopausal (at least 1 year without spontaneous menses) or surgically sterile or have a negative urine pregnancy test and practice acceptable contraception (e.g., abstinence; oral, intramuscular, or implanted hormonal contraception [at least 3 months prior to enrollment]; 2-barrier methods [e.g., condom, diaphragm, or spermicide]; intrauterine device or verbal report of partner with history of non-reversed vasectomy)
• Willing and able to participate in the study and provide a signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of diverticular complications (e.g., fistula, abscess, obstruction, stenosis);
• Active or recent history (within 6 months) of a peptic ulcer;
• Prior history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as determined by the Investigator;
• History of major abdominal surgery (as determined by the Investigator);
• History of GI surgery within 3 months of diagnosis of acute diverticulitis;
• History of immunocompromising disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS);
• If female patient, active or recent history of endometriosis or dysmenorrhea;
• Received a dose of a product that contains, or is metabolized to, mesalamine by any route within 4 weeks before the screening visit;