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Researchers are closing in on a non-addictive opiod-based pain-killer with limited side effects:
[...] [An] international team [has] captured the crystal structure of the kappa opioid receptor—critical for providing pain relief—in action on the surface of human brain cells. The researchers also made another important discovery: a new opioid-based compound that, unlike current opioids, activates only the kappa opioid receptor, raising hopes that they may develop a painkiller that has no risk of addiction and, therefore, none of the devastating consequences and side effects that accompany it.
The findings were published Jan. 4 in the journal Cell.
[...] Currently, most opioids bind to several opioid receptors on the membrane of brain cells, which has its share of drawbacks. They alleviate pain but cause a range of side effects, from nausea to numbness, constipation, anxiety, severe dependency, hallucinations and even death by respiratory depression.
In this study, the computer models revealed the formulations that would create the strongest bond between the ligand and the kappa opioid receptor without affecting other receptors.
Katritch said the latest research may pave the way for a major drug breakthrough.
"We have already found the structure of the inactive kappa opioid receptor highly useful for discovering potential candidates for a new painkiller," Katritch said. "Now with the structure of the active receptor, we have a template for designing new types of pain medications that have no disruptive side effects for patients and would reduce the burden that opioid addiction has placed on society."
Journal reference: Tao Che et al. Structure of the Nanobody-Stabilized Active State of the Kappa Opioid Receptor, Cell (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.12.011
Having known several people who got addicted to painkillers after receiving prescriptions for oxycodone or similar compounds from their doctors, this can't happen soon enough.
(Score: 2) by VLM on Saturday January 06 2018, @03:32PM
Other than obvious conspiracy theories most of which are probably true, is there any reason not to research painkillers with nifty side effects?
Here, take as much as you want, but much like hard drugs are diluted with baby powder or whatever crap they can get away with, this stuff is mixed with, or inherently as part of the chemical structure, is incredibly powerful anti-Viagra. Or some obscure and pain-irrelevant side structure of the organic chemistry molecule is full of sulfur containing branches that have the interesting side effect of making your pee smell like skunk spray. The kind of thing where you're terminally ill or intense back pain you won't care about smelly pee or inability to get it up, but addicts would be motivated to want to get off the drug long term.
I smoked weed one time in high school. Didn't even matter for my Army security clearance, at least back then it didn't matter, or I got waived. I got a terrible headache and didn't really feel all that great and really have no interest in smoking weed again. Maybe I'd try an edible unless the uncomfortable feeling was the THC itself. Anyway the point is my body not being weed compatible was pretty effective at preventing me from becoming a life long stoner like happens to some people. I'm just thinking out loud that a pill that made sex and orgasms impossible or maybe stinky pee would be helpful at preventing addiction yet not really hurt anyone needing the pills.