Tris Pharma’s Cebranopadol Shows Significantly Lower Abuse Potential Than Oxycodone in Clinical Study

Tris Pharma, Inc., a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, has announced positive results from its intranasal human abuse potential (HAP) study, demonstrating that cebranopadol—a first-in-class oral dual-NMR (nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide [NOP] and µ-opioid peptide [MOP] receptor) agonist—has significantly lower drug-liking potential when crushed and taken intranasally compared to oxycodone.

The study evaluated nondependent recreational opioid users and found that at a supratherapeutic dose of 1000 µg (2.5 times higher than the proposed therapeutic dose), cebranopadol resulted in a statistically significant reduction in drug liking compared to oxycodone 40 mg (VAS Emax difference: 24.8, P < 0.001). Key secondary endpoints, such as "take drug again" and "overall drug liking," further confirmed cebranopadol’s lower abuse potential.

Cebranopadol acts through dual-NMR agonism, combining the well-established analgesic effects of the MOP receptor with the novel pain-modulating and safety benefits of the NOP receptor. This mechanism allows for potent pain relief with a minimized risk of dependence, addiction, and significant side effects.

“These results, alongside prior abuse potential studies and our positive Phase 3 ALLEVIATE-1 data, reinforce cebranopadol’s ability to transform pain management with a significantly lower risk of abuse compared to existing opioid treatments,” said Ketan Mehta, founder and CEO of Tris Pharma.

These findings position cebranopadol as a potential breakthrough in moderate-to-severe pain management, offering an effective yet safer alternative to traditional opioid therapies.