Nonaddictive drug compound could replace opioids for chronic pain sufferers
A new nonaddictive drug compound discovered by Purdue University researchers could lead to the treatment of chronic pain without the need to rely on opioids, just as a bipartisan package of bills moves through the U.S. House and Senate to battle the nation’s opioid epidemic.
A compound developed by a research team led by Val Watts, professor of medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology and associate dean for research in Purdue’s College of Pharmacy, shows unparalleled selectivity in inhibiting the adenylyl cyclase 1 (AC1), making it a potential target for treating pain and reducing the dependency on opioids for pain management.