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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Author Spotlight: Quantifying Pain Experience – An Illustrative Approach Using the Pain Body Diagram

Author Spotlight: Quantifying Pain Experience – An Illustrative Approach Using the Pain Body Diagram

Published on: July 7, 2023

Pain Wars: A New Hope.

Kyle E Parker¹, Michael R Bruchas²

¹Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Basic Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.

|December 21, 2018

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

New bifunctional agonists targeting nociceptin and mu-opioid receptors, like AT-121, offer pain relief without side effects or abuse potential. This research highlights a promising avenue for developing safer and more effective analgesic medications.

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Last Updated: Jan 31, 2026

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An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain PPOP

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Published on: January 27, 2010

Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Neuroscience
Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

Opioid receptors are key targets for pain management.
Current mu-opioid receptor agonists provide analgesia but carry risks of side effects and abuse.
Nociceptin opioid peptide receptor agonists have shown analgesic potential with a different side effect profile.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel bifunctional agonist, AT-121.
To determine if simultaneous activation of nociceptin and mu-opioid receptors can enhance analgesia.
To assess the abuse liability and physiological side effects of AT-121.

Main Methods:

Preclinical studies involving AT-121 administration.
Evaluation of analgesic effects in pain models.
Assessment of side effects and abuse potential through behavioral and physiological monitoring.

Main Results:

AT-121 demonstrated significant analgesic properties.
The compound provided pain relief without the typical adverse effects associated with traditional opioids.
No significant abuse liability was observed for AT-121.

Conclusions:

Bifunctional agonists targeting both nociceptin and mu-opioid receptors represent a promising strategy for pain management.
AT-121 offers a potential therapeutic candidate for safer and more effective analgesia.
Further research into this class of compounds could lead to improved pain therapeutics.