New strategy reverses opioid overdoses extra safely, rat examine reveals

Opioid overdoses are a significant public well being problem within the U.S., killing tens of 1000’s of individuals yearly. The drugs naloxone, which is accessible as an over-the-counter nasal spray or given by injection, has saved numerous lives by quickly reversing opioid overdoses. However in blocking opioid receptors within the mind, naloxone causes extreme withdrawal signs, together with ache, vomiting and agitation.

A analysis crew from the Moron-Concepcion Lab at WashU Medication has found a promising new solution to deal with opioid overdoses with out triggering extreme withdrawal signs. Their examine, titled “Peripheral opioid receptor antagonism alleviates fentanyl-induced cardiorespiratory melancholy and is devoid of aversive habits,” is printed in eLife.

The work reveals that concentrating on opioid receptors exterior the mind can successfully reverse overdose results with out inflicting the extraordinary discomfort typical of present therapies.

Led by Jose Moron-Concepcion, Ph.D., and Brian Ruyle, Ph.D., the researchers examined a drug known as naloxone-methiodide, which has similarities to naloxone however doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier and as an alternative focuses on the physique. Within the examine, they discovered that naloxone-methiodide might successfully reverse fentanyl-induced respiratory melancholy with out triggering the extreme withdrawal signs related to naloxone.

“These findings have vital potential impression provided that fentanyl continues to be the main driver for opioid-related deaths on this nation,” mentioned Moron-Concepcion. “Our new therapeutic strategy reveals promise in decreasing the adversarial results usually seen with naloxone, providing a safer solution to reverse overdoses.”

This discovery opens up the opportunity of safer and extra humane overdose therapies, serving to to cut back the concern and stigma that usually stop folks from looking for life-saving care.