Demoxytocin

Demoxytocin (INN) (brand names Sandopart, Odeax, Sandopral), also known as desaminooxytocin or deaminooxytocin, as well as 1-(3-mercaptopropanoic acid)oxytocin ([Mpa¹]OT), is an oxytocic peptide drug that is used to induce labor, promote lactation, and to prevent and treat puerperal (postpartum) mastitis (breast inflammation). Demoxytocin is a synthetic analogue of oxytocin and has similar activities, 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.

The drug was first synthesized in 1960 and was introduced into clinical practice in 1971 by Sandoz. It 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.