AT-121

AT-121

AT-121 is a novel opioid compound that has been developed as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of pain and opioid addiction. It is a dual nociceptin/mu opioid receptor agonist, which means it activates both the nociceptin and mu opioid receptors in the brain. This dual action is believed to be responsible for its unique pharmacological properties.

Pharmacology

AT-121 exhibits high affinity for both the nociceptin and mu opioid receptors. It acts as a full agonist at the nociceptin receptor and a partial agonist at the mu opioid receptor. This dual action is thought to confer analgesic effects without the development of tolerance or dependence, which are common issues with traditional opioid medications.

Clinical Potential

Preclinical studies have shown that AT-121 can produce potent analgesic effects without the side effects associated with traditional opioids, such as respiratory depression, physical dependence, and reinforcement behavior. This suggests that AT-121 could potentially be used as a safer alternative to traditional opioids for the treatment of pain.

In addition to its analgesic effects, AT-121 has also been shown to block the reinforcing effects of morphine and oxycodone, suggesting that it could potentially be used as a treatment for opioid addiction.

Development

AT-121 was developed by researchers at the Wake Forest School of Medicine and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The development of AT-121 is part of a broader effort to develop safer opioid medications that can provide effective pain relief without the risk of abuse and addiction.

See Also

• Opioid
• Nociceptin receptor
• Mu opioid receptor
• Opioid addiction
• Pain management