Last reviewed · How we verify
Diacetylmorphine, liquid oral
Diacetylmorphine (heroin) is an opioid agonist that binds to mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia, euphoria, and sedation.
Diacetylmorphine (heroin) is an opioid agonist that binds to mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia, euphoria, and sedation. Used for Opioid use disorder (maintenance therapy), Chronic pain in opioid-tolerant patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | Diacetylmorphine, liquid oral |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia |
| Drug class | Opioid agonist |
| Target | Mu opioid receptor (OPRM1) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain management / Opioid use disorder |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Diacetylmorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine. It crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than morphine due to its lipophilicity, and is rapidly deacetylated to morphine and 6-monoacetylmorphine in the body. It acts as an agonist at opioid receptors, particularly mu receptors, producing potent analgesic and psychoactive effects. In the context of this Phase 3 trial at UBC, it is being investigated as a pharmaceutical-grade oral formulation for opioid use disorder or chronic pain management in a controlled medical setting.
Approved indications
- Opioid use disorder (maintenance therapy)
- Chronic pain in opioid-tolerant patients
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory depression
- Dependence
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |