STR-324

STR-324 is a synthetic equivalent of the human endogenous pentapeptide opiorphin and functions as a dual enkephalinase inhibitor (DENKI). It acts by inhibiting zinc-dependent ectopeptidases, specifically neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and aminopeptidase N (AP-N), thereby preventing the breakdown of endogenous enkephalins. This mechanism amplifies the action of naturally occurring enkephalins in opioid pathways, resulting in analgesic effects without typical opioid side effects such as respiratory depression or addiction. STR-324 is being developed primarily for post-operative pain management and has also been investigated for neuropathic pain and depression. The drug is administered intravenously as a solution and represents a novel approach to pain therapy by modulating endogenous opioid activity rather than directly stimulating opioid receptors[1][3][4][6].

Other names

opiorphin analogDENKIdual enkephalinase inhibitor