Perfect painkiller? Safe alternative to opiates may have been found

Conclusion This experimental study identified a new compound, PZM21, and investigated its effectiveness and safety in mice compared to morphine and TRV130. This research hopes to aid the development of an effective alternative to morphine that has none of the drawbacks, such as respiratory depression, constipation and addiction. The researchers' experiments in mice found that PZM21 was more effective as a longer-lasting painkiller than morphine and that, at equal painkilling doses, had hardly any effect on respiratory depression, unlike morphine. They also found that compared to morphine, the constipating effect was reduced and the compound did not activate the dopaminergic reward system, a mediator of addiction. This research helps take us one step closer to developing effective painkillers that are without the potentially lethal side effects of morphine. But this was an early stage experiment in mice. We don't know that this drug will provide the answer and findings will need to be confirmed in human studies. While these findings may drive future drug research, it is unclear how long this process may take.  Links To The Headlines Scientists discover what could be a 'perfect' painkiller without side effects. The Independent, August 17 2016 An end to morphine? New drug could provide safer painkiller alternative amid opioid epidemic. Mail Online, August 17 2016 AN END TO MORPHINE? Boffins develop 'promising' new painkiller that is safer than morphine. The Sun, August 17 201...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medication Neurology Source Type: news