The New York-based firm – whose drug candidates include Trulance (plecanatide), a guanylate cyclase-C agonist for chronic idiopathic constipation – announced the emojiis this week, explaining they are designed to help sufferers talk about their disease.
Each emoji represents a bowel movement and associated emotion – ranging from “surprised” to “euphoric” – and can be included in text and email messages.
A spokeswoman for ERIC, the UK Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity welcomed the idea, telling us “Dealing with a bowel problem such as constipation isn’t fun for anyone and can feel very lonely.
“Being able to use something like a ‘poop troop’ emoticon in texts conversations or when posting on social media is a really valuable way to help sufferers feel less embarrassed.”
She added: “They may also be more willing to open up about share how this condition makes them feel and the devastating effect it can have on everyday life.”