A PAINKILLER opiorphin, that treats pain as effectively as morphine without the serious side-effects, has been discovered by experts and is set to be tested on humans. Painkiller breakthrough: Experts said they have found a painkiller as strong as morphine but without the side effects
Morphine and morphine-like drugs - such as oxycodone, fentanyl and buprenorphine - are the strongest painkillers there are.
Some come as a patch, but they all work in similar ways and experts warn they should only be used for severe pain.
They will only be prescribed after consultation with your GP or a pain specialist.
However, Catherine Rougeot, Director of Research at Institut Pasteur, looked into the benefits of a substance called opiorphin.
A team of researchers found that opiorphin, a peptide naturally produced by our body, avoids the most feared side-effect of morphine - respiratory failure due to a lack of stimulation to breathe, which can be fatal.
Experts said Opiorphin has already been proved to help people avoid dependence and constipation.
Unlike morphine – which is fixed to multiple receptors in the body and multiplies the risks of side effects – opiorphin only acts where there’s a painful stimulus.
The molecule even prevents the degradation of the body’s natural pain relief, enkephalins.
Painkiller breakthrough: The first tests on humans are set to start at the end of 2017
Morphine and its derivatives are the most powerful painkillers used today, but tolerance can set in quickly.
Experts said the new molecule also showed no adverse effect on the respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, arterial pressure or heart rate.
“Relieving pain after surgery is as essential as it is delicate,” said Dr Philippe Sitbon from Paris-Sud University.
“Morphine and its derivatives are the most powerful painkillers used today, but tolerance can set in quickly.
“A classic solution is to increase the dosage and therefore the side effects associated with the drug, like serious breathing problems that can lead to death, confusion, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.