Blocking opioid receptors exterior the mind reverses opioid overdose with out sudden and extreme withdrawal signs. Credit score: eLife (2025). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.104469.3
Opioid overdoses are a significant public well being difficulty within the U.S., killing tens of hundreds of individuals yearly. The medication naloxone, which is out there 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 group from the Moron-Concepcion Lab at WashU Medication has found a promising new approach to deal with opioid overdoses with out triggering extreme withdrawal signs. Their examine, titled “Peripheral opioid receptor antagonism alleviates fentanyl-induced cardiorespiratory depression and is devoid of aversive behavior,” is revealed in eLife.
The work exhibits that focusing on opioid receptors exterior the mind can successfully reverse overdose results with out inflicting the extreme discomfort typical of present therapies.
Led by Jose Moron-Concepcion, Ph.D., and Brian Ruyle, Ph.D., the researchers examined a drug referred to as naloxone-methiodide, which has similarities to naloxone however doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier and as a substitute 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 significant potential impact given that fentanyl is still the major driver for opioid-related deaths in this country,” mentioned Moron-Concepcion. “Our new therapeutic approach shows promise in reducing the adverse effects typically seen with naloxone, offering a safer way to reverse overdoses.”
This discovery opens up the potential for safer and extra humane overdose therapies, serving to to cut back the concern and stigma that usually forestall folks from in search of life-saving care.
Extra info:
Brian C Ruyle et al, Peripheral opioid receptor antagonism alleviates fentanyl-induced cardiorespiratory melancholy and is devoid of aversive habits, eLife (2025). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.104469.3
Journal info:
eLife
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Washington College in St. Louis
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New strategy reverses opioid overdoses extra safely, rat examine exhibits (2025, June 5)
retrieved 6 June 2025
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