Wyeth and Progenics launch methylnaltrexone studies

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Progenics Pharmaceuticals have this week announced the initiation of three new clinical trials for methylnaltrexone.

The first two trials will assess the use of the compound injected subcutaneously as a treatment for opioid-induced constipation in patients not in the palliative care population, with the first trial being in phase III and second in phase II.

Another phase III study will assess the use of the compound injected intravenously for the management of post-operative ileus.

The intended aim of these studies is the investigation of new patient populations for the peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist.

Paul J Maddon, founder, chief executive officer and chief science officer of Progenics Pharmaceuticals, said: “Opioid-induced constipation and post-operative ileus represent important medical needs for which there currently are no approved prescription therapies.”

He added that the companies have made significant progress in the clinical, regulatory and commercial development of methylnaltrexone, while these forthcoming trials will further boost the understanding of the firms regarding the use of the compound as a treatment for these conditions.

In July 2007, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Progenics Pharmacueticals announced the preliminary results of a phase I clinical study of an innovative oral formulation of methylnaltrexone as a treatment for opioid-induced constipation, with the compound showing positive activity in patients receiving a higher dose of the drug.