Nektar Reports Results From Phase I Clinical Trial of NKTR-118

Nektar Therapeutics has presented results from a Phase I trial of NKTR-118, its investigational treatment for opioid bowel dysfunction.

The single-dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of NKTR-118 in healthy male subjects.

Escalating single oral doses of NKTR-118 up to a maximum of 1,000 mg were studied. A total of 48 subjects received active NKTR-118, Nektar said.

Single oral doses of NKTR-118 demonstrated the potential of the drug to relieve constipation. No dimunition of morphine-induced miosis, a central nervous system effect, was observed at single oral doses of 125 mg or less, the company added.