AZD-7268 is an investigational delta-opioid receptor agonist that AstraZeneca developed as a potential oral treatment for major depressive disorder. It reached phase 2 clinical trials before development was discontinued.
- Investigated as a possible antidepressant and anxiolytic
- Highly selective for the delta-opioid receptor over the mu-opioid receptor
- Caused fainting, low blood pressure, and dizziness at effective doses in trials
- Did not outperform placebo for depression in its phase 2 study
Overview
One of a small handful of delta-opioid drugs tried for depression; it didn't beat placebo and caused fainting spells, so AstraZeneca shelved it.
Mechanism
AZD-7268 is structurally derived from the delta-opioid SNC-80. It binds the delta-opioid receptor with high affinity (Ki approximately 2.7 nM) and shows about 2,000-fold selectivity for the delta receptor over the mu-opioid receptor, the target most associated with classic opioid effects like euphoria and respiratory depression. Delta-opioid receptor activation was hypothesized to produce antidepressant and anxiolytic effects without the abuse liability of mu-opioid agonists.
receptor fingerprint
Delta-opioid receptor (DOR)Agonist
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
In a phase 2 trial of 231 patients comparing AZD-7268 against placebo and escitalopram, the drug failed to separate from placebo on depression outcome measures. Development was also limited by dose-related side effects including syncope (fainting), hypotension, and dizziness, which are consistent with known cardiovascular effects of delta-opioid agonism. It was never marketed and has not been studied further in a published capacity beyond registry data.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
A clean answer to a good question, and the answer was no. It failed to beat placebo for depression while causing fainting and low blood pressure at effective doses, which ended it. Useful as evidence about delta-opioid antidepressants, useless as something to take.
Resources
No suppliers are provided for compounds like this. This entry is here for reference.
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
What is AZD-7268 used for?
It was an AstraZeneca research compound tested as a treatment for major depressive disorder. It never became a real medication and is not used for anything today.
How does AZD-7268 work?
It activates the delta-opioid receptor with high selectivity over the mu-opioid receptor, the target linked to classic opioid effects, based on the idea that delta-opioid activation could lift mood without abuse potential.
Is AZD-7268 well-researched?
No. It only reached a phase 2 depression trial before being discontinued in 2010, and no dedicated scientific paper on it has ever been published.
Adverse effects
- Caused fainting, low blood pressure, and dizziness at effective doses in trials
- Did not outperform placebo for depression in its phase 2 study
Notes and cautions
- Never approved or marketed; not sold or available anywhere