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Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture
Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture is a Small molecule drug developed by University of Plymouth. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Decompression sickness (the bends), Nitrogen narcosis mitigation in deep diving.
A nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture modulates inspired gas composition to alter oxygen and nitrogen partial pressures in the blood and tissues.
Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture, also known as MEOPA, is an equimolar mixture of nitrogen and oxygen used in clinical settings. Nitrogen and oxygen are essential small molecules for cellular homeostasis.
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Baseline phase 3 → approval rate
+58.3pp
Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
| Regulator | Country | Likely year | Lag vs FDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA | US | 2028–2030 | — |
| EMA | EU | 2029–2031 | +0.7 yr |
| MHRA | GB | 2029–2031 | +0.7 yr |
| Health Canada | CA | 2029–2032 | +0.9 yr |
| TGA | AU | 2029–2032 | +1.2 yr |
| PMDA | JP | 2029–2032 | +1.5 yr |
| NMPA | CN | 2030–2033 | +2.3 yr |
| MFDS | KR | 2029–2032 | +1.4 yr |
| CDSCO | IN | 2029–2033 | +1.8 yr |
| ANVISA | BR | 2030–2033 | +2.3 yr |
Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).
Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.
At a glance
| Generic name | Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Plymouth |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory/Hyperbaric Medicine |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
By adjusting the ratio of nitrogen to oxygen in inspired air, this therapeutic gas mixture changes the physiological effects of inert gas narcosis and oxygen toxicity, potentially improving oxygen delivery, reducing decompression stress, or modulating inflammatory responses. The specific mechanism depends on the exact nitrogen-oxygen ratio used and the intended therapeutic target.
Approved indications
- Decompression sickness (the bends)
- Nitrogen narcosis mitigation in deep diving
Common side effects
- Oxygen toxicity
- Nitrogen narcosis
- Hypoxia
Key clinical trials
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Chemosensitivity and SUDEP (NA)
- N2O for Acute Suicidality and Depression in the ED (PHASE2)
- The Effect of Nitrogen Narcosis on Motor Performance in Divers Who Have Sustained an Inner Ear Decompression Illness
- Pulse Oximeter Accuracy During Stable Hypoxia Plateaus
- Perioperative Nitric Oxide Prevents Acute Kidney Injury in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Patients (PHASE4)
- A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Nitrous Oxide During In-office Bladder Botox Injections (PHASE4)
- Antidepressant Effects of Nitrous Oxide (PHASE2)
- Nitrous Oxide as Treatment for Fibromyalgia (PHASE2)
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:
- Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Plymouth portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture
What is Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture?
How does Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture work?
What is Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture used for?
Who makes Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture?
What development phase is Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture in?
What are the side effects of Nitrogen-oxygen breathing mixture?
Related
- Manufacturer: University of Plymouth — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Respiratory/Hyperbaric Medicine
- Indication: Drugs for Decompression sickness (the bends)
- Indication: Drugs for Nitrogen narcosis mitigation in deep diving
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing