Non-Addictive Opioids

An experimental opioid drug known as AT-121 has been shown to block pain without any addictive side effects. The new drug works by activating two receptors in the brain: one that targets pain relief – mu opioid peptide (MOP) receptor, and another that blocks the addiction-forming response – nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor.

According to a recently published study, by suppressing partial activity at both MOP and NOP receptors, AT-121 was more effective than morphine at controlling pain in monkeys, but exhibited none of the side effects associated with addiction, including respiratory depression, hyperalgesia (i.e., increased sensitivity to certain painful stimuli) and physical dependence.

Opioid addiction is considered to be a national health crisis. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in the United States alone, 115 people die from opioid overdose every day. The Centers for Disease Control estimates the total “economic burden” of opioid misuse (including health care, lost productivity, treatment and criminal justice) to be more than $78 billion annually.