FDA approves AZ's Movantik for OIC

FDA approved an NDA for once-daily Movantik naloxegol from AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NYSE:AZN) to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults with chronic non-cancer pain. AZ plans to launch the pegylated form of the peripheral mu opioid receptor ( OPRM1; MOR) antagonist naloxol in 1H15.

The approval of the once daily oral drug triggers a $35 million milestone payment to development partner Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR). Movantik was developed using Nektar's oral small molecule polymer conjugate technology. ...