Scientists have developed non-addictive painkillers

With the support of the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, scientists at Wake Forest Medical School have been working to find a safe, un addictive painkiller to help combat the current opioid crisis. They may have found a way in animal models.
new compound, known as AT-121, has a dual therapeutic effect: it suppresses opioid addiction and produces morphine-like analgesic effects in non-human primates.
In our study, we found that AT-121 is safe, not addictive, and an effective painkiller," said Dr. Mei-Chuan Ko, a professor of physiology and pharmacology at the School of Medicine.
" In addition, the compound is also effective in blocking the likelihood of prescription opioid abuse, just as buprenorphine does with heroin, so we hope it can be used to treat pain and opioid abuse. The
the study was published August 29 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
The main purpose of this study was to design and test a drug that could both act on the main ingredient in the most effective prescription painkillers μ opioid receptors, but also respond to or prevent abuse and dependence on associated pain-sensitive peptide receptors. Current opioid painkillers, such as fentanyl and oxycodone, are only effective for μ opioids, which can also have adverse side effects such as respiratory suppression, abuse, and increased sensitivity to pain and physical dependence.
"We developed AT-121 in a single molecule that combines two activities in the right balance, which we think is a better drug strategy. The author said.
the study, the researchers observed that AT-121 showed the same pain relief levels as opioids, but at 100 times lower doses than morphine. At this dose, it also reduces the addictive effects of oxycodone, a commonly used prescription drug.
AT-121's dual-functional characteristics are not only effective in relieving pain but also have no potential for abuse, and do not have the side effects that patients typically see from taking other opioids, such as itching, respiratory suppression, tolerance, and addiction. (Bio Valley)