TREK1 channel activation as a new analgesic strategy devoid of opioid adverse effects

Background and Purpose Opioids are effective painkillers. However, their risk-benefit ratio is dampened by numerous adverse effects and opioid misuse has led to a public health crisis. Safer alternatives are required, but isolating the antinociceptive effect of opioids from their adverse effects is a pharmacological challenge because activation of the mu opioid receptor triggers both the antinociceptive and adverse effects of opioids. Experimental Approach The TREK1 potassium channel is activated downstream of mu receptor and involved in the antinociceptive activity of morphine but not in its adverse effects. Bypassing the mu opioid receptor to directly activate TREK1 could therefore be a safer analgesic strategy. Key Results We developed a selective TREK1 activator, RNE28, with antinociceptive activity in naive rodents and in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This activity was lost in TREK1 knockout mice or wild-type mice treated with the TREK1 blocker spadin, showing that TREK1 is required for the antinociceptive activity of RNE28. RNE28 did not induce respiratory depression, constipation, rewarding effects, or sedation at the analgesic doses tested. Conclusion and Implications This proof-of-concept study shows that TREK1 activators could constitute a novel class of painkillers, inspired by the mechanism of action of opioids but devoid of their adverse effects.