Battling the side effects of opioids: Tiny antibodies comes at rescue

Opioid drugs are effective pain relievers but have serious drawbacks, including side effects like dizziness and potentially fatal respiratory depression. Their misuse contributes to nearly 500,000 deaths worldwide each year. Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have discovered a molecule called nanobody NbE that binds tightly to opioid receptors, blocking the drugs’ effects. Additionally, they have developed even smaller molecules that maintain these properties, potentially offering more effective treatments for reducing the harmful impacts of opioids.