Last reviewed · How we verify
MOVANTIK™ (naloxegol)
Naloxegol is a peripheral mu-opioid receptor antagonist that blocks opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract without crossing the blood-brain barrier, thereby reversing opioid-induced constipation.
Naloxegol is a pegylated derivative of naloxone that blocks opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract to reverse opioid-induced constipation while minimizing systemic opioid antagonism. Used for Opioid-induced constipation in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain.
At a glance
| Generic name | MOVANTIK™ (naloxegol) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Drug class | Peripheral opioid receptor antagonist |
| Target | Mu-opioid receptor (peripheral) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology / Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Naloxegol is a pegylated derivative of naloxone designed to be a selective peripheral mu-opioid receptor antagonist. By antagonizing opioid receptors locally in the GI tract while minimizing systemic exposure and central nervous system penetration, it counteracts the constipating effects of opioid medications without reducing their analgesic efficacy or precipitating withdrawal.
Approved indications
- Opioid-induced constipation in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain
Common side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
Key clinical trials
- Naloxegol for the Prevention of Constipation in Postoperative Spinal Surgery Patients (PHASE4)
- Movantik for Opioid-Related Esophageal Disorders (PHASE2)
- To Evaluate Patient Preference of Movantik and Polyethylene Glycol 3350 for Opioid Induced Constipation (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- MOVANTIK™ (naloxegol) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- MOVANTIK™ (naloxegol) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Massachusetts General Hospital portfolio CI