A big problem following surgical procedures is the risk of respiratory depression. This is known as hypoventilation and causes a person's breath rate to fall below twelve breaths a minute. This can be very dangerous. Thankfully, Galleon Pharmaceuticals is reporting positive results after completing clinical trials on a new drug to treat this condition.

The drug is called GAL-021 and was tolerated well by a test group of 30 adults that participated in the study. Based in Pennsylvania, the company reported that the drug helped to boost respiration rate by 27 percent when compared to the results in those who took a placebo.

With such positive results on their side, Galleon can move onto the next step and put GAL-021 into the next round of clinical trials. In the next round, higher doses will be administered to see how it affects those who have also taken a drug that depresses respiration.

With more testing, it is the hope of the company that the risk for respiratory depression after surgery becomes a thing of the past.

(Source)