Morphine analogues kill pain with fewer negative side effects
By 
Victoria Atkinson2025-07-18T09:30:00
Redesign of the potent painkiller’s core prevents breathing suppression and reduces addiction-related behaviours in mice
A single atom swap in the core structure of morphine has created an analogue with the opioid’s signature painkilling activity but without the problematic side effects. The O-to-CH2 exchange removed a key hydrogen-bonding interaction in the binding pocket, activating the receptor to dull pain while suppressing the secondary pathways responsible for addiction and respiratory depression. This pharmacological profile of what has been dubbed carbamorphine suggests similar core modifications could help to design safer opioids, say the team behind the work.