Desmethylmoramide

Desmethylmoramide is a synthetic opioid that is structurally related to methadone. It was developed in the 1960s as part of a series of opioid analgesics, but was never marketed. Desmethylmoramide has been studied in the context of its potential use in the treatment of opioid dependence.

Chemistry

Desmethylmoramide is a synthetic compound that belongs to the class of chemicals known as phenylpiperidines. It is structurally similar to methadone, with the primary difference being the absence of a methyl group on the nitrogen atom. This structural difference is believed to contribute to the differences in pharmacological activity observed between desmethylmoramide and methadone.

Pharmacology

Desmethylmoramide acts as an agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, which is the primary site of action for most opioid analgesics. It has been shown to have a higher affinity for the mu-opioid receptor than methadone, suggesting that it may have a higher potency. However, the clinical significance of this finding is unclear, as desmethylmoramide has never been used in humans.

Potential Therapeutic Uses

Desmethylmoramide has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of opioid dependence. In animal models, it has been shown to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and decrease self-administration of opioids. However, further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of desmethylmoramide in humans.

See Also

• Opioid
• Methadone
• Phenylpiperidines
• Mu-opioid receptor