Opioid crisis: breakthrough in hunt for non-addictive painkiller

A newly developed pain relief compound appears to be more powerful than morphine, without the addictive high

Scientists have made a major step towards developing a non-addictive alternative to prescription painkillers.

The newly developed compound, called AT121, appears to deliver more powerful pain relief than morphine, but without being accompanied by the feelings of euphoria that drive addiction. So far, the drug has been tested successfully in rats and monkeys, and the team are carrying out final safety tests before human trials can begin.