Inflamed tissue has a lower pH value (~5–7) than non-inflamed tissue (7.4).[5] Through computer simulation, scientists found a way to make the fentanyl analog only affect inflamed tissue via the addition of fluorine to the chemical structure. In experiment, it was shown that NFEPP produced injury-restricted analgesia in rats with different types of inflammatory pain without exhibiting typical opiate effects, including respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, and chemical seeking behavior.[6][7][8]
As a result, NFEPP has the potential to reduce opioid addiction and dependency, as there is no effect on users who are not actually suffering from pain, as the chemical does not interact with non-inflamed brain tissue until much higher doses are reached.[9]
References
^Drug Enforcement Administration Do (February 2018). "Schedules of Controlled Substances:Temporary Placement of Fentanyl-Related Substances in Schedule I. Temporary amendment; temporary scheduling order". Federal Register. 83 (25): 5188–92. PMID29932611.
^Edwards SR, Blough BE, Cowart K, Howell GH, Araujo AA, Haskell JP, et al. (May 2024). "Assessment of the Antinociceptive, Respiratory-Depressant, and Reinforcing Effects of the Low pKa Fluorinated Fentanyl Analogs, FF3 and NFEPP". Neuropharmacology. 255: 110002. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110002. PMID38754577.
^Massaly N, Temp J, Machelska H, Stein C (December 2020). "Uncovering the analgesic effects of a pH-dependent mu-opioid receptor agonist using a model of nonevoked ongoing pain". Pain. 161 (12): 2798–2804. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001968. PMID32639370. S2CID220410251.