Preliminary Efficacy and Safety Study of Oral Nepadutant in Infant Colic

Infant colic is a functional gastrointestinal disorders which affects up to the 30% of the infant population; it is primarily characterised by excessive inconsolable crying starting without any apparent cause and lasting for several hours per day. Current non pharmacological interventions (e.g. message, restriction in maternal diet in breast-feeding infants) and pharmacological treatments (simethicone, antimuscarinic drugs) are largely unsatisfactory. In animal models, Nepadutant reverse the exaggerated intestinal motility and sensitivity, induced by different stimuli, without producing inhibitory effects on these functions at baseline, suggesting that Nepadutant could have a therapeutic effect with no interference on physiological gastrointestinal transit. This phase IIa study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of Nepadutant paediatric oral solution given once daily at two doses in comparison to placebo. The experimental clinical phase encompasses the following periods: * Screening period (no study medication) to be done 7 to 4 days prior to randomisation * Treatment period, lasting seven days with once daily administration * Post treatment period, lasting seven days A safety follow-up visit will be performed approximately 1 month after the first administered dose.