A drug that can induce powerful pain relief developed by scientists at Duke University School of Medicine
The drug is called SBI-180 and is one of the new generation drugs that can target receptors on the nerves and spinal cord. Moreover, while opioids have the capacity to flood multiple pathways, these are a non-opioid treatment. This drug prevents the euphoric high and does not even cause addiction unlike opiods.
The test done on mice, the SBI-180 worked well. However, when used with opiods it was more effective in lower doses. Senior author of the study said,
“What makes this compound exciting is that it is both analgesic and non-opioid,”
Moreover, it also prevented the common side effects constipation and tolerance buildup, which provokes patients to take stronger and more doses of opiods.
Although the drug is in early development, the researchers of Duke are aiming for human trials soon.
SBI-810 targets brain receptor neurotensin receptor 1. The drug switches on signal—β-arrestin-2—linked to pain relief. Alongside avoiding the signals that can cause addiction.
“The receptor is expressed on sensory neurons and the brain and spinal cord,”
“It’s a promising target for treating acute and chronic pain.”
SBI-810 relieved pain from surgical incisions, bone fractures, and nerve injuries better compared to other existing painkillers.
