Wyeth, Progenics Phase I Study Shows Promise

Wyeth achieved positive preliminary results from a Phase I trial of a new oral formulation of methylnaltrexone, an investigational drug being developed with Progenics for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC). The latest data showed that a substantial majority of patients receiving the higher of the two doses tested, responded to treatment.

The Phase I trial, conducted by Wyeth, was a double-blind, randomized, single-dose, crossover pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study in subjects receiving methadone, an opioid used to treat addiction. The new oral formulation was generally well tolerated. Based on these findings, the companies will soon initiate an additional Phase I trial to optimize the new oral formulation.