Researchers at Indiana University Bloomington have developed allosteric modulators of the opioid receptor that were superior to the opioid antidote naloxone at blocking the effects of fentanyl in vitro. They presented their work in a session on “Progress towards more efficacious medicine: Antibiotics and antidotes” at the 2023 spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Free, no-prescription-required access to naloxone injectors and nasal sprays has reduced deaths from opioid overdoses by 11% in some communities, but they only work if someone with the reversal agent is available when a person overdoses. Many times, unfortunately, opioid users are alone when an overdose occurs. Resilient Lifescience Inc. hopes to save those lives, too. The company is developing a wearable patch that monitors vital signs and automatically administers naloxone when needed.

Aphiotx Inc. has identified sulfamoyl benzene derivatives acting as pannexin-1 (PANX1; MRS1) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of opioid withdrawal.