Tag Archives: Synthesis

Trippy Synthesis of Salvinorin A Analog

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

Salvinorin A & 20-Norsalvinorin

Link to C&E News Science Concentrated Article:

“Synthetic simplification of hallucinogen pays off”