A Phase I Study to Evaluate the Oral Absorption of Nepadutant in Infants

This trial aims to evaluate the oral adsorption of nepadutant (0.1 or 0.5 mg/Kg given as one single dose as oral solution) in infants divided in three age strata (from 6 to 24 weeks old). Oral absorption is evaluated by measuring the amount of nepadutant in the urine output collected during the 24 hours after oral administration with special diapers.

Safety and tolerability of the drug will be evaluated by monitoring any changes in signs/symptoms at medical examination and vital signs during the fist 4 hours post-dose in the Hospital site and then by the parents at home up to 24 hours and 1 week post nepadutant administration.

Inclusion criteria

Subjects will be eligible for inclusion in the study if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Infants with a history consistent with a diagnosis of colic or other functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Age >6 weeks and < 24 weeks
• At least 44 weeks post-conceptual age at enrolment
• Normal growth
• Informed consent by parents (one or both) or legal guardian
• Caregiver available to be trained in collection and storage of used diapers
• Caregiver available to record feeding episodes and defecations on the diary

Exclusion criteria

Subjects will be excluded from the study if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Clinical evidence of major cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, endocrine, metabolic, gastrointestinal (excluding infantile colic and other functional gastrointestinal disorders, unless associated to symptoms which are likely to interfere with drug absorption, e.g. frequent vomiting), haematological, severe dermatological or neurological pathology or other diseases;
• Previous major surgery or blood loss
• Intake of antimuscarinic drugs, simethicone, or dimethicone 24 hours before study treatment administration.