Preventive effects of naldemedine, peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist, on morphine-induced nausea and vomiting in ferrets

Aims Naldemedine is a peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs) indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC). We investigated the preventive effect of naldemedine on morphine-induced nausea and vomiting in ferrets and conducted a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis. Main methods The antiemetic effect of naldemedine was evaluated as the frequency and time of retching (rhythmic abdominal contractile motion) and vomiting (throwing up vomit or similar reactions) caused by morphine in ferrets. After a single oral administration of naldemedine to ferrets, the plasma concentrations of naldemedine and morphine were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Key findings Naldemedine showed a potent and dose-dependent anti-emetic effects against morphine-induced emetic responses, for up to 6 h. The dose of naldemedine that produced half the maximal effect (ED50) value for anti-emetic effect of naldemedine in the morphine-treated ferrets was 0.033 mg/kg. The PK/PD analysis revealed that the antiemetic effect was related to the plasma naldemedine concentration, with a half maximal effective concentration that produces half the maximal effect (EC50) of 3.51 ng/mL. The plasma concentration producing an antiemetic effect was almost 200-fold lower than that inducing an anti-analgesic effect in rats. Significance Naldemedine showed potent inhibition of morphine-induced vomiting for up to 6 h after dosing. These data suggest that naldemedine possesses antiemetic properties and could be effective against opioid-induced nausea and vomiting (OINV).