NIH study identifies experimental opioid with strong pain relief and lower addiction risk

NIH researchers identified DFNZ, an experimental opioid, in findings published in Nature.

DFNZ comes from nitazenes, a synthetic opioid class first explored in the mid-20th century.

PET imaging showed FNZ stayed in the brain for minutes while pain relief lasted for hours.

DFNZ strongly activated the mu opioid receptor and gave lab animals pain relief without respiratory depression.

At therapeutic doses it increased brain oxygen levels, and repeat dosing did not cause tolerance or significant withdrawal.