Kappa opioid agonists reduce oxycodone self-administration in male rhesus monkeys

ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that KOR agonists, including the clinically used KOR agonist, nalfurafine, can punish self-administration of a prescription opioid analgesic, oxycodone, in rhesus monkeys and that nalfurafine ’s punishing effect is KOR-dependent. Combinations of KOR agonists with prescription opioids may have reduced abuse liability.

Source: Psychopharmacology - January 30, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research