Latest research on GI health presented at DDW 2008

Tuesday, May 20 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: 243, M1951, 343 and 484.
Dial-in: 1-866-290-0920, passcode # 9224121

NSAIDs: Researchers have begun looking to NSAIDs as having a potential role in the prevention of colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and pancreatitis. The three studies presented investigate the potentially beneficial role that NSAID medications can play in the treatment of GI-related cancer and in the prevention of surgery-related inflammation.

Sunday, May 18 at Noon Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: W1625, M1947 and a late breaking abstract.
Dial-in: 1-888-500-6955, passcode # 6731943

Celiac Disease: For those suffering from celiac disease, there may be good news on the horizon. New research presented will discuss the latest advancements in the diagnosis and prevention of celiac disease.

Monday, May 19 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time
DDW Abstract numbers: 584, 585 and S1263.
Dial-in: 1-877-502-9276, passcode # 2908146

Quality of Care and Disparities: Does the success of a procedure depend on how often it is performed at a hospital, or by a particular surgeon" Is a patient’s access to procedures such as liver transplantation influenced by patient characteristics such as socioeconomic factors, geographic location, insurance or referral source" These questions and other important quality of care and disparities issues will be discussed via three new research presentations.

Wednesday, May 21 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: 1033, T1167 and 1874
Dial-in: 1-866-454-4204, passcode # 5186403

Please Dial-in 10-15 minutes prior to the time of the start of the press briefing. Each session will include a question and answer session at the conclusion of the presentations.

* * All data presented during DDW is EMBARGOED until the date and time of the press conference or the data presentation, whichever is scheduled first. * *

For questions or to request press materials, please contact Kristin Francini at 202-745-5107 or .

To reach the DDW press room during the conference, dial 619-525-6272. The press room is located in Room 22 at the San Diego Convention Center.

To access DDW research abstracts go to: www.ddw.org/press

Digestive Disease Week® 2008 (DDW®) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American

Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW takes place May 17-22, 2008 in San Diego, Calif. The meeting showcases more than 5,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology.