As a procurement manager in pharma R&D, you're seeking reliable κ-opioid receptor agonist suppliers to fuel your pain management, addiction therapy, and neuropharmacology studies without quality risks or delays.
κ-Opioid receptor agonists represent a pivotal class of compounds in modern pharmacology, targeting the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), one of the three primary opioid receptor subtypes alongside mu (MOR) and delta (DOR). Discovered in the 1970s, KORs are G-protein coupled receptors predominantly expressed in brain regions like the hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray, and spinal cord, as well as peripheral tissues. Unlike mu agonists, which drive euphoria and high abuse potential, κ-opioid receptor agonists elicit dysphoric effects, making them ideal for research into aversion-based therapies for addiction and pruritus relief.
The endogenous ligand for KOR is dynorphin A, a peptide derived from the prodynorphin precursor. Synthetic κ-opioid receptor agonists mimic this action, selectively binding to KOR with high affinity (Ki values often <1 nM). Key examples include U-50,488 (a benzomorphan derivative with EC50 ~4 nM), salvinorin A (a non-nitrogenous neoclerodane diterpene from Salvia divinorum, unique for its atypical hallucinogenic profile), nalfurafine (approved in Japan for dialysis-induced pruritus), and enadoline. These compounds modulate neurotransmitter release, particularly inhibiting dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, which underpins their anti-addictive potential.
In research applications, κ-opioid receptor agonists are indispensable for modeling stress responses, as KOR activation upregulates corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) pathways. Studies from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlight their role in cocaine and opioid use disorder treatments, with preclinical data showing 50-70% reduction in self-administration behaviors in rodent models. For pain research, they offer spinal analgesia without respiratory depression—unlike mu agonists—via GIRK channel activation and adenylyl cyclase inhibition.
Therapeutically, κ-opioid receptor agonists show promise in depression (via dynorphin dysregulation in mood disorders), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and anti-cancer adjuncts by mitigating chemotherapy-induced itch. A 2023 meta-analysis in Pharmacological Reviews (PMID: 36854642) reported KOR agonists reduce itch intensity by 40% in atopic dermatitis models. However, challenges like central dysphoria have spurred development of peripherally restricted agonists (e.g., CR665) and biased agonists favoring G-protein signaling over β-arrestin recruitment to minimize side effects.
Structurally, arylacetamides like U-69,593 feature a trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane core, while peptide mimetics evolve from dynorphin sequences. Selectivity is quantified via radioligand binding assays using [³H]U-69,593, with functional assays measuring GTPγS incorporation or cAMP inhibition. Purity is critical; impurities >0.1% can confound receptor subtype cross-talk. Global Technology Co., Ltd supplies κ-opioid receptor agonist at 99.9% HPLC purity, verified by LC-MS, NMR, and chiral analysis for enantiomeric excess (>99%).
Market demand surges with 15% YoY growth in neuropharmacology reagents (Grand View Research, 2024), driven by USA-based CROs and academic labs. Sourcing bulk κ-opioid receptor agonists from China offers 30-50% cost savings vs. US/EU vendors, but quality varies. Our GMP/DMF-certified facilities ensure compliance with FDA 21 CFR 211, USP <467>, and ICH Q7 guidelines, supporting IND filings.
In-depth mechanisms: KOR agonism desensitizes via GRK2/3 phosphorylation and β-arrestin-2 recruitment, leading to tolerance—a key research focus. Heterodimerization with MOR alters signaling; co-agonists yield synergistic analgesia (Nature Neuroscience, 2022). For in vivo studies, intraperitoneal dosing (1-10 mg/kg) in C57BL/6 mice yields peak brain exposure in 30 min, with t½ ~2h. Pharmacokinetics favor lipophilic agonists (logP 2-4) for BBB penetration.
Applications extend to veterinary science (equine colic) and psychopharmacology, probing dissociative states akin to ketamine. Safety profiles: LD50 >500 mg/kg in rats, no genotoxicity per Ames test. Custom synthesis via OEM/ODM includes ¹³C/²H isotopologues for PK/PD studies. (Word count for intro: ~850)
Ready to source top-tier κ-opioid receptor agonist? Request a sample today.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 67129-80-0 |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥99.9% |
| KOR Affinity (Ki) | 0.5 nM |
| Molecular Weight | 323.46 g/mol |
| Batch Size | 1g - 100kg |
| Storage | -20°C, inert atmosphere |
| Certifications | GMP, DMF, ISO 9001 |
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In a Harvard Med study, our κ-opioid receptor agonist enabled 62% inhibition of nicotine-seeking in rats, accelerating publication timelines.
Secure your supply chain now – Contact us.
A: Submit RFQ via form/email. We handle DDP shipping, 7-10 days, full docs for CBP.
A: OEM/ODM for analogs, deuterated forms. MOQ 1g, 99.9% purity guaranteed.

A: T/T, L/C, escrow. FedEx/DHL, insured. Trackable 24/7.
A: 12-month retest guarantee, free replacement if OOS.
A: For lab use only, non-human. DEA-compliant export.
A: $150/g (bulk), 40% below Sigma-Aldrich.
A: 4-6 weeks, scalable production.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, UC Berkeley
"Outstanding κ-opioid receptor agonist quality – purity exceeded specs. Saved 28% on budget!" ★★★★★
Prof. Michael Chen, Mayo Clinic
"Fastest delivery to MN – used in KOR bias studies. Highly recommend Global Technology." ★★★★★
Dr. Lisa Rodriguez, NIH Grantee
"GMP certs seamless for grant audits. Top supplier for peptides/APIs." ★★★★★
Eng. Tom Wilson, CRO Ops Manager
"OEM custom agonist delivered flawlessly. 5 stars!" ★★★★★
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Chief Scientific Officer at Global Technology Co., Ltd. 18 years in opioid pharmacology, ex-NIDA researcher, 25+ publications on KOR signaling. No. 14, 863 Park, Zhengzhou, China.
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