Wyeth and Progenics begin clinical testing of a methylnaltrexone

US healthcare firm Wyeth announced it is to start clinical trials on a new treatment for constipation.

Testing on a formulation of oral methylnaltrexone is to be coordinated by researchers from a division of Wyeth alongside technicians from Progenics Pharmaceuticals after phase II trials proved the drug is generally well tolerated.

According to Wyeth, the therapy is designed to be used as a remedy for opioid-induced constipation and the firm hopes that successful testing could lead to the filing of a new application by 2009.

“Both the subcutaneous and intravenous formulations of methylnaltrexone have shown a high degree of activity in clinical trials,” says Robert R Ruffolo, senior vice president at the US company and president of research.

He adds that Wyeth remains committed to methylnaltrexone development projects and aims to file an application shortly for a new drug for its subcutaneous form.

The firm is also looking to obtain new treatment approval for its intravenous version of methylnaltrexone, which is intended to reduce the effects of opioids upon peripheral receptors.

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals recently confirmed that it is set to collaborate with French enterprise Nautilus Biotech on developing and licensing a half-life proteins-based treatment for hemophilia B.