American scientists have developed the pain reliever AT-121, which is stronger than morphine, does not cause addiction and dangerous side effects. This is reported by Science Alert.
The researchers hope the drug will help reduce the number of deaths caused by addiction and overdose of pain-relieving drugs. In 2012, in the United States alone, more than 16,000 people died from the use of opioid analgesics.
The new compound acts on Μ-opioid receptors (MOPs) and nociceptin receptors - protein molecules in the neurons of the brain. MOPs are targets for traditional pain relievers, and nociceptin receptors are involved in addiction and dependence.
Trials with rhesus monkeys showed that AT-121 had an analgesic effect similar to morphine at concentrations one hundred times lower than usual. Moreover, the drug was able to reduce the level of dependence of animals on oxycodone, a semi-synthetic opioid. High doses of AT-121 did not cause respiratory depression and disturbances in the activity of the cardiovascular system.
Scientists hope the results will be confirmed in further trials involving humans.
