An FDA-approved drug, Naltrexone, which is currently prescribed for easing out withdrawal symptoms related to substance abuse, can be used for offering significant relief to patients suffering from Crohn’s disease.

The finding was revealed by a pilot study by the Penn State College of Medicine.

From News-Medical.Net:

Typical treatment for Crohn’s involves using steroids or corticosteroids, which suppress the immune system and can have other toxic side effects. Treatment is often time-intensive and expensive, as well.

“This is a novel approach to treating a common disease, and it’s simple, it’s safe, and it costs far less than current standards of treatment,” Smith said. “We don’t yet know the exact mechanisms involved in how it works, but we’re working on that as well.”

Smith initiated the study using a Dean’s Feasibility Grant — a program designed to encourage investigators to design trials in their area of expertise and seek outside funding. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently awarded the College of Medicine $500,000 for the team to continue the study.

The finding was presented by Jill P. Smith, a gastroenterology specialist and researcher at the College of Medicine and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Los Angeles at the National Association of Gastroenterologists annual Digestive Diseases Week conference.