Cocoa Silences Persistent Cough

A naturally occurring chemical ingredient in cocoa and chocolate could be converted into an opioid-free medicine for persistent cough. The breakthrough drug containing theobromine is entering the final stages of human clinical trials for the treatment of persistent cough, researchers announced Dec. 20.


The drug is being jointly developed by SEEK, a UK privately-owned drug-discovery group, and could be on the market within two years. Human trial research in Korea has shown that theobromine has none of the side effects associated with standard drug treatments for persistent cough
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Theobromine has been shown to inhibit the inappropriate firing of the vagus nerve, which is a key feature of persistent cough. This peripheral mechanism of action differentiates theobromine from codeine and other centrally acting agents, and lessens its lower central nervous system side effects. Theobromine has been used as a vasodilator, a diuretic and heart stimulant. It is found in significant quantities in cocoa-based products, including chocolate, and is a metabolite of caffeine.

Following consultation with a European Medicines Agency (EMA), the single Phase III trial of theobromine (BC1036) is expected to begin in the United Kingdom in the first half of 2011. The drug has the potential to be on the market in Europe within two years from trial commencement, subject to receiving final marketing authorization.