CI-988
# CI-988

CI-988 (PD-134,308) is a drug which acts as a cholecystokinin antagonist, selective for the $CCK_B$ subtype. In animal studies it showed anxiolytic effects and potentiated the analgesic action of both morphine and endogenous opioid peptides, as well as preventing the development of tolerance to opioids and reducing symptoms of withdrawal. Consequently, it was hoped that it might have clinical applications for the treatment of pain and anxiety in humans, but trial results were disappointing with only minimal therapeutic effects observed even at high doses. The reason for the failure of CI-988 and other $CCK_B$ antagonists in humans despite their apparent promise in pre-clinical animal studies is unclear, although poor pharmacokinetic properties of the currently available drugs are a possible explanation, and $CCK_B$ antagonists are still being researched for possible uses as adjuvants to boost the activity of other drugs.

