Researchers have given hope to millions of people suffering from chronic stomach pain by developing an oral drug that can provide relief.

A team of researchers at the University of Vienna led by medicinal chemist Markus Muttenthaler has developed a gut-stable oxytocin analog that promises effective, non-opioid relief for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Is.

The findings, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, are an important step toward safe pain management.

A safe alternative to opioids

Chronic stomach pain is usually treated with opioids, which come with serious side effects such as addiction, nausea, and fatigue. The global opioid crisis highlights the urgent need for alternatives.

Unlike opioids, the new treatment focuses on oxytocin receptors in the gut.

Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” is known for its role in bonding and stress relief. However, it also plays an important role in pain management.

By targeting gut-specific receptors, these new compounds reduce pain signals without affecting the central nervous system, reducing risks such as addiction or drowsiness.

“Our research highlights the therapeutic potential of gut-specific peptides and provides a new, safe alternative to existing pain medications,” Muttenthaler said.

The innovation behind gut-stable oxytocin

Oxytocin itself cannot be taken orally because it breaks down quickly in the digestive tract.

The Vienna team overcame this challenge by creating modified oxytocin peptides that remain stable in the gut while selectively activating oxytocin receptors.

This innovation allows patients to take the medication orally, providing a convenient and effective solution.

In fact, this approach is unprecedented, as most peptide-based drugs like insulin require injection due to their instability in the intestine.

Supported by the European Research Council, the team is working to bring these peptides to market. They have secured a patent for their discovery and are looking for partners to advance the treatment to clinical trials.

If successful, this gut-specific peptide therapy could revolutionize the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, providing a much-needed safe alternative to opioid-based drugs.