September 15, 2017
Scripps and USC researchers report a 10-step synthesis of 20-norsalvinorin A.
Improved synthesis should help chemists to invent new salvinorin A analogs to sidestep its psychoactive effects while preserving its analgesic effects. Salvinorin A, a hallucinogen produced by the plant Salvia divinorum, is promising for treating itch and pain by activating the kappa-opioid receptor while avoiding the mu-opioid receptor, which has been associated with opioid abuse.
So far Scripps has a few patents and applications directed to other classes of Kappa Opioid ligands.
US9,682,966 Kappa Opioid Ligands
US9,345,703 Kappa Opioid Receptor Effectors and Uses Thereof
US2016/0257685 Kappa Opioid Receptor Effectors and Uses Thereof
US2015/0210673 Kappa Opioid Ligands
Probably a few new patent applications are in the works. I haven’t seen any patent publications yet.
Salvinorin A & 20-Norsalvinorin
