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Movantik (NALOXEGOL)

Averitas · FDA-approved approved Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026 Quality 65/100

Movantik (generic name: NALOXEGOL) is a Opioid Antagonist Small molecule drug developed by Averitas. It is currently FDA-approved (first approved 2014) for Therapeutic opioid induced constipation.

Movantik works by blocking the mu-type opioid receptor, which is responsible for the constipating effects of opioids.

Movantik is a small molecule used to treat Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC). It is administered as NKTR-118 and has been studied in clinical trials for its safety and efficacy in patients with non-cancer-related pain and OIC.

At a glance

Generic nameNALOXEGOL
SponsorAveritas
Drug classOpioid Antagonist
TargetMu-type opioid receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval2014

Mechanism of action

Naloxegol is an antagonist of opioid binding at the mu-opioid receptor. When administered at the recommended dose levels, naloxegol functions as peripherally-acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist in tissues, such as the gastrointestinal tract, thereby decreasing the constipating effects of opioids.Naloxegol is PEGylated derivative of naloxone and is substrate for the P-glycoprotein transporter (P-gp). Also, the presence of the PEG moiety in naloxegol reduces its passive permeability as compared with naloxone. Due to the reduced permeability and increased efflux of naloxegol across the blood-brain barrier, related to P-gp substrate properties, the CNS penetration of naloxegol is expected to be negligible at the recommended dose levels limiting the potential for interference with centrally mediated opioid analgesia.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Patents

PatentExpiryType

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
FDA Orange BookPatents + exclusivity

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Movantik

What is Movantik?

Movantik (NALOXEGOL) is a Opioid Antagonist drug developed by Averitas, indicated for Therapeutic opioid induced constipation.

How does Movantik work?

Movantik works by blocking the mu-type opioid receptor, which is responsible for the constipating effects of opioids.

What is Movantik used for?

Movantik is indicated for Therapeutic opioid induced constipation.

Who makes Movantik?

Movantik is developed and marketed by Averitas (see full Averitas pipeline at /company/averitas).

What is the generic name of Movantik?

NALOXEGOL is the generic (nonproprietary) name of Movantik.

What drug class is Movantik in?

Movantik belongs to the Opioid Antagonist class. See all Opioid Antagonist drugs at /class/opioid-antagonist.

When was Movantik approved?

Movantik was first approved on 2014.

What development phase is Movantik in?

Movantik is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Movantik?

Common side effects of Movantik include Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, Nausea, Flatulence, Vomiting, Headache.

What does Movantik target?

Movantik targets Mu-type opioid receptor and is a Opioid Antagonist.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing