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Flammia R, Huang B, Pagare PP, M St Onge C, Abebayehu A, Gillespie JC, Mendez RE, Selley DE, Dewey WL, Zhang Y. Blocking potential metabolic sites on NAT to improve its safety profile while retaining the pharmacological profile. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107489. [PMID: 38797065 PMCID: PMC11190787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The number of opioid-related overdose deaths and individuals that have suffered from opioid use disorders have significantly increased over the last 30 years. FDA approved maintenance therapies to treat opioid use disorder may successfully curb drug craving and prevent relapse but harbor adverse effects that reduce patient compliance. This has created a need for new chemical entities with improved patient experience. Previously our group reported a novel lead compound, NAT, a mu-opioid receptor antagonist that potently antagonized the antinociception of morphine and showed significant blood-brain barrier permeability. However, NAT belongs to thiophene containing compounds which are known structural alerts for potential oxidative metabolism. To overcome this, 15 NAT derivatives with various substituents at the 5'-position of the thiophene ring were designed and their structure-activity relationships were studied. These derivatives were characterized for their binding affinity, selectivity, and functional activity at the mu opioid receptor and assessed for their ability to antagonize the antinociceptive effects of morphine in vivo. Compound 12 showed retention of the basic pharmacological attributes of NAT while improving the withdrawal effects that were experienced in opioid-dependent mice. Further studies will be conducted to fully characterize compound 12 to examine whether it would serve as a new lead for opioid use disorder treatment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Flammia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Celsey M St Onge
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Abeje Abebayehu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - James C Gillespie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Rolando E Mendez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - William L Dewey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0059.
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2
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Huang P, Ho CK, Cao D, Inan S, Rawls SM, Li M, Huang B, Pagare PP, Townsend EA, Poklis JL, Halquist MS, Banks M, Zhang Y, Liu-Chen LY. NCP, a dual kappa and mu opioid receptor agonist, is a potent analgesic against inflammatory pain without reinforcing or aversive properties. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:JPET-AR-2023-001870. [PMID: 38409113 PMCID: PMC10949162 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While agonists of mu (MOR) and kappa (KOR) opioid receptors have analgesic effects, they produce euphoria and dysphoria, respectively. Other side effects include respiratory depression and addiction for MOR agonists and sedation for KOR agonists. We reported that 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14β-dihydroxy-4,5α-epoxy-6β-{[4'-(2'-cyanopyridyl)]carboxamido}cmorphinan (NCP) displayed potent KOR full agonist and MOR partial agonist activities (58%) with 6.5x KOR-over-MOR selectivity in vitro Herein, we characterized pharmacological effects of NCP in rodents. In mice, NCP exerted analgesic effects against inflammatory pain in both the formalin test and the acetic acid writhing test, with A50 values of 47.6 and 14.4 microg/kg (s.c.), respectively. The analgesic effects in the acetic acid writhing test were mediated by the KOR. NCP at doses much higher than those effective in reducing inflammatory pain did not produce antinociception in the hot plate and tail flick tests, inhibit compound 48/80-induced scratching, cause conditioned place aversion (CPA) or preference, impair rotarod performance, inhibit locomotor activity, cause respiratory depression, or precipitate morphine withdrawal. However, NCP (10~100 microg/kg) inhibited gastrointestinal transit with a maximum of ~40% inhibition. In MOR knockout mice, NCP caused CPA, demonstrating that its lack of CPA is due to combined actions on the MOR and KOR. Following s.c. injection, NCP penetrated into the mouse brain. In rats trained to self-administer heroin, NCP (1~320 microg/kg/infusion) did not function as a reinforcer. Thus, NCP produces potent analgesic effects via KOR without side effects except constipation. Therefore, dual full KOR/partial MOR agonists with moderate KOR-over-MOR selectivity may be promising as non-addictive analgesics for inflammatory pain. Significance Statement Developing non-addictive analgesics is crucial for reducing opioid overdose deaths, minimizing drug misuse, and promoting safer pain management practices. Herein, pharmacology of a potential non-addictive analgesic, NCP, is reported. NCP has full KOR agonist / partial MOR agonist activities with a 6.5 x selectivity for KOR over MOR. Unlike MOR agonists, analgesic doses of NCP do not lead to self-administration or respiratory depression. Furthermore, NCP does not produce aversion, hypolocomotion, or motor incoordination, side effects typically associated with KOR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, United States
| | - Conrad K Ho
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, United States
| | - Danni Cao
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, United States
| | - Saadet Inan
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, United States
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, United States
| | - Mengchu Li
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, United States
| | - Boshi Huang
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, United States
| | - Piyusha P Pagare
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, United States
| | | | | | | | - Matthew Banks
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, United States
| | - Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, United States
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Pagare PP, Flammia R, Zhang Y. IUPHAR review: Recent progress in the development of Mu opioid receptor modulators to treat opioid use disorders. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107023. [PMID: 38081336 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) can be described as intense preoccupation with using or obtaining opioids despite the negative consequences associated with their use. As the number of OUD cases in the U.S. increase, so do the number of opioid-related overdose deaths. In 2022, opioid-related overdose became the No. 1 cause of death for individuals in the U.S. between the ages of 25 and 64 years of age. Because of the introduction of highly potent synthetic opioids (e.g. fentanyl) to the illicit drug market, there is an urgent need for therapeutics that successfully reduce the number of overdoses and can help OUD patients maintain sobriety. Most abused opioids stimulate the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and activation of this receptor can lead to positive (e.g., euphoria) consequences. However, the negative side effects of MOR stimulation can be fatal (e.g., sedation, respiratory depression). Therefore, the MOR is an attractive target for developing medications to treat OUD. Current FDA drugs include MOR agonists that aid in detoxification and relapse prevention, and MOR antagonists that also serve as maintenance therapies or reverse overdose. These medications are limited by their abuse potential, adverse effects, or pharmacological profiles which leaves ample room for research into designing new chemical entities with optimal physiological effects. These includes, orthosteric ligands that target the primary binding site of the MOR, allosteric ligands that positively, negatively, or "silently" modulate receptor function, and lastly, bitopic ligands target both the orthosteric and allosteric sites simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Rachael Flammia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States.
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4
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Bodnar RJ. Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2021. Peptides 2023; 164:171004. [PMID: 36990387 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper is the forty-fourth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2021 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonizts and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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Li M, Stevens DL, Arriaga M, Townsend EA, Mendez RE, Blajkevch NA, Selley DE, Banks ML, Negus SS, Dewey WL, Zhang Y. Characterization of a Potential KOR/DOR Dual Agonist with No Apparent Abuse Liability via a Complementary Structure-Activity Relationship Study on Nalfurafine Analogues. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:3608-3628. [PMID: 36449691 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovery of analgesics void of abuse liability is critical to battle the opioid crisis in the United States. Among many strategies to achieve this goal, targeting more than one opioid receptor seems promising to minimize this unwanted side effect while achieving a reasonable therapeutic profile. In the process of understanding the structure-activity relationship of nalfurafine, we identified a potential analgesic agent, NMF, as a dual kappa opioid receptor/delta opioid receptor agonist with minimum abuse liability. Further characterizations, including primary in vitro ADMET studies (hERG toxicity, plasma protein binding, permeability, and hepatic metabolism), and in vivo pharmacodynamic and toxicity profiling (time course, abuse liability, tolerance, withdrawal, respiratory depression, body weight, and locomotor activity) further confirmed NMF as a promising drug candidate for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - David L Stevens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Michelle Arriaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - E Andrew Townsend
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Rolando E Mendez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Nadejda A Blajkevch
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Matthew L Banks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - S Stevens Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - William L Dewey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States.,Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
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Zaidi SA, Katritch V. Structural Characterization of KOR Inactive and Active States for 3D Pharmacology and Drug Discovery. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 271:41-64. [PMID: 33945028 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The structure of the human kappa opioid receptor (KOR) in complex with the long-acting antagonist JDTic was solved crystallographically in 2012 and, along with structures of other opioid receptors, revolutionized our understanding of opioid system function and pharmacology. More recently, active state KOR structure was also determined, giving important insights into activation mechanisms of the receptor. In this review, we will discuss how the understanding of atomistic structures of KOR established a key platform for deciphering details of subtype and functional selectivity of KOR-targeting ligands and for discovery of new chemical probes with potentially beneficial pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saheem A Zaidi
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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