Astrazeneca granted approval for opioid-induced constipation treatment

9th Dec 2014 07:05

Astrazeneca announced that, Moventig, its treatment for adults with opioid-induced constipation (OIC), has been granted marketing authorisation by the European Commission for patients who have had an inadequate response to laxatives.The drug is the first of its kind to be approved in the European Union."Opioids play an important role in chronic pain relief and work by binding to mu-receptors in the central nervous system, but they also bind to mu-receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in patients suffering from OIC," Astrazeneca explained.The approval of Moventig was based on data from a clinical programme that comprised four studies assessing safety and efficacy.Chief medical officer Briggs Morrison said: "Constipation is one of the most common side effects for those using opioid pain medication. We're very pleased to have received marketing authorisation for Moventig, as it allows us to offer a new treatment option for the millions of patients across Europe who suffer from opioid-induced constipation and haven't responded to laxatives."