Ro64-6198 is an opioid drug used in scientific research. It acts as a potent and selective agonist for the nociceptin receptor, also known as the ORL-1 (opiate receptor like-1) receptor, with over 100x selectivity over the other opioid receptors.[1] It produces anxiolytic effects in animal studies equivalent to those of benzodiazepine drugs,[2] but has no anticonvulsant effects and does not produce any overt effects on behaviour.[3] However it does impair short-term memory,[4] and counteracts stress-induced anorexia.[5][6] It also has antitussive effects,[7] and reduces the rewarding and analgesic effects of morphine, although it did not prevent the development of dependence.[8][9][10] It has been shown to reduce alcohol self-administration in animals and suppressed relapses in animal models of alcoholism, and ORL-1 agonists may have application in the treatment of alcoholism.[11]
Clinical data | |
---|---|
Other names | Ro64-6198 |
Identifiers | |
| |
CAS Number |
|
PubChem CID |
|
IUPHAR/BPS |
|
ChemSpider |
|
ChEMBL |
|
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C26H31N3O |
Molar mass | 401.554 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) |
|
| |
| |
(what is this?) (verify) |
Ro64-6198 was able to be recognised as a discriminative stimulus by rats distinct from other opioid receptor ligands,[12] but was not able to produce the conditioned place preference thought to be indicative of addictive potential.[13] Consequently, while the role of ORL-1 receptors in the body is complex and remains poorly understood, Ro64-6198 has demonstrated multiple pharmacological actions and has been very useful in the study of the ORL-1 receptor system, especially in relation to anxiety and anorexia; however, due to poor oral bioavailability, Ro 64-6198 will most likely not be pursued clinically.[14] Studies in primates showed it to have analgesic effects but without producing respiratory depression or reinforcing effects.[15]