This proposal is for the synthesis and testing of nonpeptidic delta- selective opioid agonists that are potentially useful as analgesics for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It has been shown that agonists at the different opioid receptor subtypes are capable of producing antinociception. However, some of the side effects of clinically used opioids, such as respiratory depression, have been linked to activation of the opioid mu-receptor. delta-Selective opioids are also less likely to produce addiction and withdrawal symptoms. delta-Selective compounds may also be of interest to the Medications Development Division of the National Institute on Drug Abuse since compounds with this property may be useful in the treatment of cocaine abuse. Based on previous work by the PI in which nonpeptidic compounds with potent delta-selectivity were obtained, new compounds are proposed for synthesis and testing. The synthesized compounds will be screened for affinity at various subtypes of the opioid receptor. The best compounds will also be tested in rodent models of analgesia. The long-term objective is commercial development and FDA approval of a novel delta-selective opioid for analgesia and/or the treatment of cocaine abuse.Proposed commercial application:The development of delta-selective opioid agonists for the treatment of moderate to severe pain and/or the treatment of cocaine abuse.National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
