The Phase 1 trial is investigating the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of NKTR-181 in around 75 healthy subjects.
Nektar is expecting to conclude the study in the second half of 2011.
Primary Investigator of the trial Lynn Webster said a novel opioid therapy, such as NKTR-181, that also has the potential to reduce the psychopharmacologic effects associated with drug dependence, provides great promise for all physicians looking for safer and more effective pain management, and could help to address the significant public safety threat posed by existing opioid drugs.