DooKey
[H]F Junkie
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2001
- Messages
- 13,677
Everyone knows by now that the U.S. is experiencing a huge opioid addiction problem and it gets worse every day. As a matter of fact, approximately 91 people die everyday from overdoses of painkillers. A new study of an opioid compound named AT-121 is showing non-addictive properties in simian testing. Monkeys were found to get addicted to normal opioids just like humans and then they were offered this painkiller and they only used the compound when they needed it. This compound works by attaching to the pain receptors like normal opioids, but it also attaches to receptors that mediate behaviors governed by emotions and instincts. This appears to be what stops the euphoric feelings that occur with normal opioids. Another great feature of this compound is it appears to be much stronger than morphine without the ill effects of respiratory problems. However, this isn't ready for humans and needs more testing before it hits the market. Regardless, this is good news and I hope it hits the market sooner than later.
At first glance, the fact that the study focused on monkeys would seem to be a factor against AT-121’s favor. This is definitely true in the sense that humans could react quite differently to the compound and its effects, and it should not be assumed AT-121 is anywhere near ready for people. But Roth emphasizes that since the two species share quite a bit of the same physiology, “the potential translation to humans has a greater potential for success.”
At first glance, the fact that the study focused on monkeys would seem to be a factor against AT-121’s favor. This is definitely true in the sense that humans could react quite differently to the compound and its effects, and it should not be assumed AT-121 is anywhere near ready for people. But Roth emphasizes that since the two species share quite a bit of the same physiology, “the potential translation to humans has a greater potential for success.”