Researchers at the Free University of Brussels (Belgium) and the University of Geneva (Switzerland) have created the NbE molecule based on llama antibodies to overcome opioid addiction. The findings of their respective research were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Opioid drugs (morphine, fentanyl, and tramadol) are highly effective pain relievers, but their use carries significant risks, including side effects and addiction. Opioids cause euphoria by interacting with nerve cells in the brain.

To mitigate the side effects of opioids and reduce the risk of overdose from them, aforesaid researchers studied tiny natural proteins derived from llama antibodies. One such antibody (nanobody), called NbE, has been shown to bind to certain opioid receptors in the nervous system, partially blocking the effects of these drugs.

With the help of microscopic visualization, the researchers discovered an original mode of mutual communication, in which only a small part of the nanowires was responsible for the correct interaction with the receptors. According to researchers, the identification of this active part will help to create new drugs with the help of which the same results can be achieved.