Feeding intolerance is a transient neuro-developmental phenomenon affecting 25% to 40% of infant and toddler, with a peak at 6 weeks of age. Feeding problems include mainly vomiting, slow feeding, refusal to eat and colic.
Current non pharmacological interventions (e.g. message, restriction in maternal diet in breast-feeding infants) and pharmacological treatments (simethicone, antimuscarinic drugs and antiacids) are largely unsatisfactory.
Nepadutant is postulated to have a therapeutic effect in infant colic since it reverts exaggerated intestinal motility and sensitivity induced by different stimuli through the activation of neurokinin-2 receptors, without interferring on the on physiological gastrointestinal transit.
This phase IIa study is designed to test in each participant infant two out of three oral doses of nepadutant in order to measure its blood levels, safety and efficacy with each dose level to be given for 7 concecutive days.
The experimental clinical phase encompasses the following periods:
* Screening period (no study medication), lasting approximately 7 days prior to randomization
* Treatment period, lasting fourteen days (7 days fore each dose)with once daily administration
* A safety follow-up visit, approximately four weeks after start of treatment.
