Demoxytocin

Demoxytocin (INN) (brand names Sandopart, Odeax, Sandopral), also known as desaminooxytocin or deaminooxytocin, as well as 1-(3-mercaptopropanoic acid)oxytocin ([Mpa]OT), is an oxytocic peptide drug and synthetic analogue of oxytocin that is marketed in several European countries, including Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. It has the amino acid sequence Mpa-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂ (Mpa = β-mercaptopropionic acid), and is an analogue of oxytocin wherein the leading cysteine is replaced with β-mercaptopropionic acid. Demoxytocin has similar activities as oxytocin, but is more potent and has a longer half-life in comparison. Unlike oxytocin, which is given via intravenous injection, demoxytocin is administered as a buccal tablet formulation. It is used to induce labor, promote lactation, and to prevent and treat puerperal (postpartum) mastitis (breast inflammation). The drug was first synthesized in 1960 and was introduced into clinical practice in 1971 by Sandoz.