Last reviewed · How we verify

Fentanyl/Placebo injection

University Hospital, Bordeaux · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia and sedation.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia and sedation. Used for Acute pain management, Perioperative anesthesia and analgesia.

At a glance

Generic nameFentanyl/Placebo injection
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Bordeaux
Drug classOpioid analgesic
TargetMu-opioid receptor (OPRM1)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPain management / Anesthesia
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Fentanyl activates mu-opioid receptors throughout the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting pain signal transmission and producing potent analgesic and sedative effects. It is approximately 50-100 times more potent than morphine. This formulation appears to be a research or clinical trial preparation comparing fentanyl to placebo, likely for pain management or anesthesia applications.

Approved indications

Common side effects

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.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: