New Oral Drug Targets Chronic Abdominal Pain with Oxytocin-Based Approach

University of Queensland researchers develop a gut-stable oxytocin analog for safe, effective pain relief.

Researchers at the University of Queensland have created an oral painkiller using a modified form of oxytocin to treat chronic abdominal pain.
The new drug is designed to be gut-stable, allowing it to be taken orally and act directly in the colon without crossing into the bloodstream.
This innovative approach aims to provide a safer alternative to current treatments, minimizing side effects associated with anti-inflammatories and opioids.
The drug targets pain from gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and irritable bowel disease (IBD), affecting up to 15% of adults.
Researchers are seeking investment to advance pre-clinical studies, with hopes of entering clinical trials within three years.