Clinical evaluation of hexapeptide dalargine used in the treatment of duodenal ulcer

: Experiments on rats were made to study antiulcerous activity of the majority of endogenous opioid-like peptides and 22 synthetic analogs. Duodenal ulcers were induced in animals by cysteamine hydrochloride. A hexapeptide called dalargin demonstrated the maximal antiulcerous activity in experimental duodenal ulcer. The drug dose applied was 10-15 micrograms/kg. The drug action was found to be mediated via opiate receptors. The drug did not cause the development of addiction or physical dependence. Dalargin was studied in 45 male patients with exacerbation of duodenal ulcer. The mean period of healing amounted to 21.8 days. The use of dalargin in a dose of 2 mg a day intramuscularly produced no side effects or changes in blood characteristics. The mechanisms of dalargin action are discussed from the viewpoint of the general principles of peptide pharmacology.