Adolor commences clinical testing of its oral mu opioid receptor antagonist

Adolor Corporation (NasdaqGM:ADLR) today announced the initiation of clinical testing of ADL7445, its proprietary, oral mu opioid receptor antagonist for the treatment of Opioid Bowel Dysfunction (OBD). The Phase 1, single ascending dose trial in healthy volunteers will assess safety and tolerability of the compound and will be followed by a multiple ascending dose study in early 2010.

Early next year, the Company also expects to initiate a clinical study of a second compound for OBD, ADL5945, in a parallel, early-stage clinical development program. ADL5945 was in-licensed from Eli Lilly in September 2009 and has a different chemical structure and pharmacokinetic profile than ADL7445.

“We are very pleased to commence clinical testing in our OBD Program with the first of two promising compounds,” said Eliseo Salinas, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. “Our clinical development team possesses a wealth of experience in this therapeutic area, and we are committed to developing products that will address this large, unmet need.”