Nanobody capable of limiting the side effects of opioids discovered

Opioid drugs are highly effective at relieving pain but come with severe drawbacks. Their side effects range from dizziness to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Their illegal use contributes to nearly half a million deaths worldwide each year.

Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have discovered a molecule, called nanobody NbE, which binds tightly and durably to the cell receptors that usually bind to opioids, thereby blocking the drugs' activity.

Moreover, the scientists were able to create even smaller molecules that retain the same properties, which could prove far more effective than current treatments in mitigating the harmful effects of opioids.

While significantly smaller than antibodies, nanobodies remain quite large. They can be costly to produce and may not fully reach the target tissue in the body.

In collaboration with the Prof. Steven Ballet team from the University of Brussels, the UNIGE research team synthesized in vitro a set of even smaller molecules mimicking the key part of NbE responsible for the selected binding to opioid receptors.

"By durably blocking opioid receptors, our new molecules have the potential to reverse or reduce the deleterious side effects of opioids. In case of overdose, they could provide a better, longer lasting option than naloxone, the treatment currently in use," concludes Miriam Stoeber.

Image source: UNIGE.