An LP1 analogue, selective MOR agonist with a peculiar pharmacological profile, used to scrutiny the ligand binding domain

The hypothesis that central analgesia with reduced side effects is obtainable by occupying an “allosteric” site in the MOR ligand binding domain requires the development of new ligands with peculiar pharmacological profile to be used as tools. New benzomorphan derivatives, analogues of LP1, a multitarget MOR agonist/DOR antagonist, were designed to examine in depth MOR ligand binding domain. Compound 5, bearing a diphenylic N-substituent on the benzomorphan nucleus, showed an affinity (Kiμ = 0.5 ± 0.2 nM) comparable to that of LP1 and a better selectivity vs. DOR and KOR. It elicits antinociceptive effects in ex-vivo (GPI) and in vivo. This new compound engages receptor amino acidic residues not reached by LP1 and by other established MOR ligands. Molecular modeling studies, conducted on 5 and on several reference compounds, allowed us to propose possible residues in the MOR ligand binding domain essential for their interactions with “orthosteric” and “allosteric” binding sites.