« Return to News | Clinical Intelligence

AstraZeneca drug enters phase III

Friday, March 18, 2011 10:28 AM

AstraZeneca has begun enrollment of a late-stage trial for an investigational opioid-induced constipation treatment licensed from Nektar Therapeutics.

The drug, NKTR-118, is a once-daily tablet that combines Nektar's small molecule polymer conjugate technology platform with naloxol, a derivative of the opioid antagonist naloxone. It is being studied for OIC, a common side effect of prescription opioids used for chronic pain management.

AZ said for those patients who take opiates for long-term pain management, 40% to 50% will develop constipation. Only half of those experience effective relief from laxatives and stool softeners.

The first regulatory filings based on the program are planned for 2013. AstraZeneca and Nektar teamed up in September 2009; the deal includes the earlier-stage NKTR-119, which combines NKTR-118 and an opioid analgesic. When the pact was signed, AstraZeneca made a $125 million upfront payment. The deal could be worth $1.5 billion to Nektar.

Share:          
CLINICAL TRIAL RESOURCES

Search:

NEWS ONLINE ARCHIVE

Browse by:

CWWeekly

December 17

Medici Global says its Alzheimer's Facebook page demonstrates the need for more early detection trials

Analysts: Expect more equity purchases of CROs in 2013

Already a subscriber?
Log in to your digital subscription.

Subscribe to CWWeekly.

The CenterWatch Monthly

January 2013

Parexel celebrates 30 years of change, growth
CRO's founder and chairman reflects on challenges of the past, present and future

Strategies for increasing patient diversity in trials
Sponsors look to improve racial, ethnic recruitment without going overseas

Already a subscriber?
Log in to your digital subscription.

Purchase the January issue.

Subscribe to The CenterWatch Monthly.

December 2012

Publicity, regulation tightening reins on use of KOLs
Debate rages over need to revamp how sponsors use, pay medical experts

Time may be right to makeover the investigator brochure
Size, complexity prevent critical document from being thoroughly read

Already a subscriber?
Log in to your digital subscription.

Purchase the December issue.

Subscribe to The CenterWatch Monthly.

JobWatch centerwatch.com/jobwatch

Featured Jobs

More Jobs

 

Copyright © 1995-2013 CenterWatch.