LY2940094

LY2940094 is a novel pharmaceutical drug that was developed by Eli Lilly and Company for the treatment of anxiety disorders and alcohol dependence. It acts as a selective antagonist of the nociceptin receptor (NOP), also known as the opioid receptor like-1 (ORL1) receptor, which is a protein that in humans is encoded by the OPRL1 gene.

Mechanism of Action

LY2940094 works by selectively blocking the nociceptin receptor (NOP). The nociceptin receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that has a high affinity for the neuropeptide nociceptin (also known as orphanin FQ). Nociceptin and its receptor are widely distributed in the central nervous system and are believed to be involved in a variety of physiological functions, including pain perception, stress response, and reward.

Clinical Trials

LY2940094 has been tested in several clinical trials. In a Phase 2 trial for generalized anxiety disorder, LY2940094 was found to be safe and well-tolerated, but did not show a significant difference from placebo on the primary efficacy endpoint. However, a post-hoc analysis suggested that LY2940094 may have beneficial effects in certain subgroups of patients.

In a Phase 2 trial for alcohol dependence, LY2940094 showed a trend towards reducing heavy drinking days and increasing abstinent days, but these results were not statistically significant.

Side Effects

The most common side effects reported in clinical trials with LY2940094 were headache, nausea, and dizziness. These side effects were generally mild to moderate in severity and were transient.

Future Research

Further research is needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of LY2940094 and other NOP receptor antagonists. Potential areas of interest include pain management, mood disorders, and addiction.