New research recently published in Nature Chemical Biology is shining further light on the structure, mechanisms of action and efficacy of lofentanil (LFT). Derived from fentanyl, LFT is one of the most potent lethal opioids, and is derived from fentanyl and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), a derivative from alkaloids found in the kratom plant.
The paper highlights the work of Susruta Majumdar, Ph.D., associate professor of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology at University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, and his colleagues who examined the molecular differences between LFT and MP, and how they bind to MU opioid receptors.