S-444,823 is a drug developed by

Shionogi is a Japanese pharmaceutical company best known for developing Crestor. Medical supply and brand name also uses katakana (シオノギ). Shionogi has business roots that date back to 1878, and was incorporated in 1919. Among the medicines pro ...

which is a

cannabinoid Cannabinoids () are several structural classes of compounds found in the cannabis plant primarily and most animal organisms (although insects lack such receptors) or as synthetic compounds. The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tet ...

agonist.Arimura A. Novel Use of Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist. Patent WO 2005/016351
/ref> It was developed as an

antipruritic Antipruritics, abirritants, or anti-itch drugs, are medications that inhibit the itching (Latin: '' pruritus'') often associated with sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites and stings like ...

, and has moderate selectivity for the CB₂ subtype, having a CB₂ affinity of 18nM, and 32x selectivity over the CB₁ receptor. In animal studies it showed analgesic effects and strongly reduced itching responses, but without producing side effects such as

sedation Sedation is the reduction of irritability or agitation by administration of sedative drugs, generally to facilitate a medical procedure or diagnostic procedure. Examples of drugs which can be used for sedation include isoflurane, diethyl ether, ...

and

catalepsy Catalepsy (from Ancient Greek , , "seizing, grasping") is a nervous condition characterized by muscular rigidity and fixity of posture regardless of external stimuli, as well as decreased sensitivity to pain. Signs and symptoms Symptoms in ...

that are seen with centrally acting CB₁ agonists.

References

Cannabinoids Nitrogen heterocycles Thiazoles {{cannabinoid-stub

See also

References