Dynogen drug enters trial for treatment of chronic vomiting

Chronic functional vomiting (CFV) is believed to be caused by the abnormal function of the muscles or nerves controlling the organs of the middle and upper gastrointestinal tract. In this placebo controlled trial, multiple symptom-based endpoints will be assessed.

Chronic functional vomiting is the second clinical indication for DDP225, an orally-active compound that targets two key pathways that control the gastrointestinal system. The company initiated a phase II trial for the drug in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-d) in October 2005.

“DDP225 represents a novel and potentially the first treatment option for patients suffering from CFV. This unique study is designed to both validate efficacy and lay the pathway for a rapid product registration trial,” said Dr Lee Brettman, CEO at Dynogen.

DDP225 is both a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor and a specific serotonin receptor antagonist. Noradrenaline and serotonin are neurotransmitters that are known to be involved in the control of the gastrointestinal system.

The unique combination of noradrenaline reuptake inhibition and serotonin antagonism in one orally delivered compound represents a novel approach to treating IBS-d and similar diseases. Dynogen licensed preclinical and clinical data related to DDP225 from Mitsubishi Pharma in October 2003.