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Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have pioneered a groundbreaking oral medication aimed at alleviating chronic abdominal pain, including that caused by gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This new class of painkillers, derived from the peptide hormone oxytocin, offers a promising alternative to current treatments.
The innovative research, led by Associate Professor Markus Muttenthaler from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, focuses on enhancing the therapeutic properties of oxytocin, a hormone known for its role in childbirth contractions. By altering the chemical structure of oxytocin, the team has developed a version that remains stable in the gut, enabling it to be taken orally.
Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” because of its effects on social bonding, trust, and empathy. It is also crucial for uterine contractions during labor and for facilitating milk release during breastfeeding. However, its potential as a treatment for abdominal pain has long been hampered by its rapid degradation in the digestive system.
In a breakthrough for drug development, Dr. Muttenthaler’s team identified which parts of oxytocin are broken down in the gut and used medicinal chemistry to stabilize the hormone. The resulting modified molecule is able to activate the oxytocin receptor in the colon without needing to enter the bloodstream, making it both effective and safe.
“There is an urgent need for new treatments for chronic gastrointestinal pain, which affects up to 15% of adults at some point in their lives,” Dr. Muttenthaler said. “Currently, the main options are anti-inflammatories and opioids, which come with significant side effects and the risk of addiction. Our new approach could offer a much-needed alternative.”
The newly developed oxytocin-based drug has shown promise in targeting pain directly within the colon, reducing the risk of systemic side effects that can occur with many conventional medications. This localized action makes the drug a potentially safer option for treating gut disorders, which have long lacked effective, non-invasive treatments.
“By making peptides stable in the gut, we’ve opened the door to a new class of oral medications for gastrointestinal conditions. This could revolutionize the way we approach treatment for these painful and often debilitating disorders,” Dr. Muttenthaler explained.
With this exciting progress, the research team is now seeking investors to fund pre-clinical trials, with the hope of advancing the drug to clinical stages. Looking ahead, Dr. Muttenthaler is also exploring the potential for this new technology to improve treatments for other gastrointestinal diseases, addressing an unmet medical need in this field.
As researchers continue to refine their work, this new drug offers a glimmer of hope for millions who suffer from chronic abdominal pain, bringing both relief and the promise of a future free from the risks associated with current treatments.
