Methylnaltrexone is the investigational drug which is being developed for treating opioid induced constipation and post surgery ileuses which are the incapacitating medical conditions. Methylnaltrexone has also received FDA Fast Track recognition for post surgery ileuses for which no authenticated medications are yet developed. Wyeth and Progenics have collaborated under the licensed terms to co-development agreement for the development and commercialization of Methylnaltrexone.

For relieving pain and working by stimulating mu-opioid receptors that are placed in the central nervous system – the brain as well as the spinal cord, opioid medications like morphine have been commonly used. Opioids are also reported to of interacting with such receptors outside of the central nervous system which cause grievous side effects such as constipation, urinary preservation and sever itching. Such serious side effects frequently avert optimal pain control or extended hospitalization. Methylnaltrexone is typically developed to obstruct tangential Opiod receptors whose creation affects such side effects. Methylnaltrexone does not hamper the brain-centered pain respite as it is constrained from crossing the human blood brain barricade.

Methylnaltrexone is being developed in three diverse dosage forms and courses of its administration, which may represent vital advantage to patients and healthcare professionals. Each of the Methylnaltrexone dosage form is typically designed to fulfill the necessities of clinical applications based on the onset of its actions, inevitability of reaction, dosing flexibility and each of usage. These three product candidates of Methylnaltrexone are such as: Methylnaltrexone Subcutaneous Injections for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in the patients getting painkilling care for advanced cancer, AIDS, cardiopulmonary disease and other painful terminal illnesses.

The next is Methylnaltrexone Intravenous Infusion for the treatment of post surgery ileuses which is the dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract that usually develops after major abdominal and extended surgeries. The last is Methylnaltrexone Oral Formulation used for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients having chronic pains like headaches, joint pains, lower back pains, or muscle pains etc.