ADL-5859, also known as compound 20, is an opioid drug that is selective for the δ-opioid receptor, it is being investigated as an alternative to traditional opioids in pain management.
Mechanism of action
Like all opioid drugs, ADL-5859 activates opioid receptors, but where as traditional opioids (such as oxycodone) activate the three main receptors (mu, delta, and kappa), ADL-5859 appears to be selective and only activates the delta receptor. with a Ki of 20 nM == Therapeutic potential ==
Therapeutic potential
Like other opioids, it has potential in pain management; however, by being selective for the delta receptor, multiple undesirable side effects of traditional opioids are not present, such as respiratory depression, sedation, and euphoria. ADL-5859 was also found to be orally active, which makes it easier to administer. Multiple tests have shown its efficacy as an analgesic. == References ==