U-50488 is a synthetic chemical compound known for its highly selective agonism of the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR). Unlike traditional opioids that interact with the μ-opioid receptor, U-50488 is used in research to explore the pharmacological and neurological functions of the kappa-opioid system. It is not intended for human or veterinary use and remains strictly for laboratory research applications.

• Kappa-Opioid Receptor Selectivity
  U-50488 was specifically designed to target the kappa-opioid receptor without interacting with μ (mu) or δ (delta) receptors. This makes it particularly valuable in isolating the effects of KOR in neurological and behavioral research.

• Developed as a Research Tool
  Originally synthesized to explore pain pathways and non-addictive analgesics, U-50488 has become a central compound in the study of kappa-opioid pharmacology, sedation, and stress-related behavior.

• Distinct from Classical Opioids
  Unlike morphine or fentanyl, which typically produce euphoria and risk of dependence, U-50488 has been shown to cause sedative and dysphoric effects in animal studies. This pharmacological profile offers insights into addiction-resilient treatments.

• Chemical Identity and Structure
  The full IUPAC name is 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-[(1R,2R)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)cyclohexyl]acetamide. It features a benzeneacetamide backbone and is structurally different from traditional opioids.

• Controlled Testing Applications
  Its primary research uses include behavioral neuroscience, pharmacodynamic profiling, and drug interaction studies where selectivity for KOR is essential to avoid confounding results.

U-50488 has a wide array of uses across preclinical studies, especially in fields like behavioral pharmacology, pain research, and neurochemical regulation. Its selective activity at the kappa-opioid receptor allows scientists to explore receptor-specific actions without the overlap of other opioid pathways.

• Analgesic Mechanism Studies
  U-50488 is often used to model non-addictive pain control mechanisms. Its kappa-selective activity enables researchers to study how pain can be alleviated without the typical side effects of μ-opioid drugs, such as respiratory depression and dependence.

• Addiction and Reward Circuitry Research
  Because activation of kappa-opioid receptors has been shown to counteract the dopamine-releasing effects of addictive substances, U-50488 is used to examine treatments for substance abuse and withdrawal symptoms.

• Mood and Affective Behavior Studies
  U-50488 has been shown to induce dysphoria and reduce motivation in rodents. These effects are valuable in exploring the biological underpinnings of mood disorders and developing potential antidepressants or anti-anxiety compounds.

• Receptor Binding and Selectivity Testing
  Its high receptor selectivity allows U-50488 to serve as a benchmark in binding affinity studies, helping researchers understand how structurally similar compounds interact with opioid receptor subtypes.

• Neuroendocrinology Research
  KOR agonists like U-50488 have been used in studies examining hormonal regulation, stress responses, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Yes, U-50488 is generally legal to purchase and possess for scientific research purposes, though the specific legal status may vary depending on regional regulations. It is important to understand the legal framework in your jurisdiction before acquiring or working with U-50488.

• Not Classified as a Controlled Substance
  In most countries, U-50488 is not scheduled under controlled substances laws. This makes it legally accessible for laboratory and academic research purposes.

• For Research Use Only
  RC Plug sells U-50488 exclusively to qualified individuals, institutions, and labs. It is not for human or veterinary use and is clearly labeled as a research-only product.

• Buyer Responsibility for Compliance
  While we legally supply U-50488 for research, buyers must verify compliance with local, institutional, and national laws to ensure proper usage.

• Regulatory Documentation Provided
  We include all necessary documentation such as the Certificate of Analysis and Material Safety Data Sheet to support import legality and facilitate customs clearance.

• Restricted Use in Certain Jurisdictions
  Some regions may restrict U-50488 or impose import requirements. It is advised to consult with legal or institutional regulatory bodies prior to purchase.

Proper storage of U-50488 is essential to preserve its chemical integrity, stability, and reactivity profile. This ensures the compound remains effective and uncontaminated for ongoing or future research use.

• Cold Storage Required
  U-50488 should be stored at -20°C in a freezer. This low temperature helps maintain chemical stability over time, especially for long-term storage beyond a few weeks.

• Use Airtight Containers
  The compound should be kept in sealed, chemical-resistant containers to avoid air exposure, which can degrade sensitive compounds.

• Protection from Light and Moisture
  Light and humidity can catalyze degradation. It is advisable to use amber vials or foil-wrapped containers and include desiccants to absorb moisture.

• Avoid Repeated Freeze-Thaw Cycles
  Constant cycling between frozen and room temperature can reduce the efficacy of the compound. Remove only the amount needed for each experiment to minimize this risk.

• Label and Date All Containers
  Always ensure that the container is labeled with the date of receipt, compound identity, batch number, and concentration, where applicable, for traceability.

No, U-50488 is not approved for clinical or therapeutic use in humans or animals. Its use is strictly confined to controlled laboratory settings under institutional guidelines and ethical oversight.

• Lacks Clinical Approval
  U-50488 has not undergone the rigorous safety testing, clinical trials, and regulatory evaluations required for human use. It is not recognized by the FDA, EMA, or similar authorities as a medical substance.

• Designed for Preclinical Research
  It is used only in vitro or in animal models to explore receptor dynamics, behavioral pharmacology, or biochemical interactions at the molecular level.

• Not Safe for Human Exposure
  U-50488 may cause adverse effects such as dysphoria, sedation, or unknown systemic toxicity in humans. It is not suitable for ingestion, injection, or application outside lab protocols.

• Requires Institutional Oversight
  Laboratories working with U-50488 should have ethics board approval, especially when involving animal testing. Proper protocols for handling, dosage, and disposal are mandatory.

• Strictly Labeled Research Use Only
  Every unit shipped by RC Plug is clearly marked with “FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY – NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” to emphasize this restriction.

U-50488 differs significantly from traditional opioids like morphine, fentanyl, or oxycodone in both its mechanism of action and its effects. While classical opioids mainly target μ-opioid receptors (mu receptors) to produce analgesia and euphoria, U-50488 selectively activates kappa-opioid receptors (KOR), producing a unique pharmacological profile that is of particular interest in preclinical research.

• Receptor Selectivity
  U-50488 is a highly selective KOR agonist with minimal or no affinity for μ and δ receptors. This contrasts with traditional opioids that strongly bind to μ-receptors, producing rewarding and addictive effects.

• Non-Euphoric Effects
  Activation of KOR by U-50488 produces effects such as sedation and dysphoria rather than the euphoria commonly associated with μ-opioid agonists. This makes it a valuable tool for studying non-rewarding opioid mechanisms.

• Lower Abuse Potential
  Due to its dysphoric and aversive effects in animal models, U-50488 has a much lower potential for abuse, making it ideal for exploring non-addictive pain management strategies.

• Distinct Side Effect Profile
  U-50488 lacks many of the dangerous side effects of classical opioids, such as respiratory depression, constipation, and profound sedation at analgesic doses.

• Research Applications
  Its selective action allows researchers to isolate the impact of KOR in neurobiology without interference from other receptor systems, which is not possible with traditional opioids.

• Limited Analgesic Use
  While U-50488 does possess analgesic properties, they are accompanied by aversive effects, which have precluded its clinical development as a therapeutic analgesic in humans.

The physical and chemical properties of U-50488 are crucial for researchers who require stability, solubility, and purity in their experiments. Understanding its profile allows for proper formulation, dosing, and storage in laboratory settings.

• Appearance
  U-50488 is typically a white or slightly off-white crystalline powder, which indicates a high level of purity. Deviations in color may signal degradation or contamination.

• Molecular Formula and Weight
  Its molecular formula is C19H26Cl2N2O, and its molecular weight is approximately 369.33 g/mol. This information is essential for preparing accurate molar concentrations in experimental solutions.

• Solubility Characteristics
  U-50488 is soluble in organic solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, and methanol. It is only sparingly soluble in water, requiring careful solvent selection for biological assays.

• Melting Point and Stability
  Although precise melting point data is rarely disclosed publicly, U-50488 is stable at room temperature when kept dry but is best stored at -20°C to maintain long-term chemical integrity.

• High Purity Formulations
  When supplied by RC Plug, the compound has a minimum verified purity of ≥98%, confirmed by HPLC and NMR analytical methods, making it suitable for sensitive research applications.

U-50488 is considered psychoactive in the context of animal research, meaning it produces observable effects on behavior, mood, and neurological activity in test subjects. However, its psychoactive profile is significantly different from drugs that are typically associated with recreational use.

• Produces Dysphoria, Not Euphoria
  In animal studies, U-50488 consistently induces aversive or dysphoric effects rather than pleasurable sensations. This profile discourages misuse and is useful for studying the biology of mood regulation.

• Impacts Locomotion and Motivation
  Rodents administered U-50488 often display reduced locomotor activity and lower responsiveness to reward cues, indicating a depressant effect on central nervous system arousal and motivation.

• Affects Dopaminergic Pathways
  Kappa-opioid receptor activation by U-50488 has been shown to suppress dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens—a region associated with pleasure and reward—making it valuable in addiction and stress research.

• Non-Hallucinogenic
  Unlike hallucinogens or some other KOR agonists like Salvinorin A, U-50488 does not produce visual or perceptual distortions in standard models, making it suitable for focused pharmacodynamic studies.

• No Recreational Use Profile
  There are no reported cases of U-50488 being used recreationally, as its psychoactive effects are considered unpleasant and inhibitory rather than stimulating or rewarding.

U-50488 is not used in human subjects, so all dosage data refers to animal or in vitro research. Accurate dosing is essential for reproducibility and to avoid confounding variables in scientific results.

• Typical Dosage Range
  In rodent models, U-50488 is often administered in the range of 1–10 mg/kg depending on the study’s design. Lower doses may be used for behavioral assays, while higher doses may be employed in receptor saturation studies.

• Route of Administration
  Common administration routes in animal models include intraperitoneal (i.p.), subcutaneous (s.c.), or intravenous (i.v.) injection. The method depends on the type of study, onset requirement, and pharmacokinetics.

• Solvent Preparation
  U-50488 is usually dissolved in solvents like DMSO, saline with co-solvents, or ethanol. A vehicle control is recommended to isolate pharmacological effects from solvent interactions.

• Species and Strain Considerations
  Dosage may vary across species or even strains of animals due to differences in metabolism, receptor expression, and behavioral sensitivity to KOR agonists.

• Timing and Frequency
  Most studies use acute (single) dosing to assess immediate pharmacological effects, but chronic administration protocols also exist to evaluate tolerance, withdrawal, or long-term modulation of neural pathways.

Handling U-50488 requires strict laboratory safety protocols due to its potency, receptor specificity, and lack of clinical safety data. Researchers must follow institutional and chemical safety guidelines to prevent accidental exposure and ensure ethical use.

• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  Always wear nitrile gloves, a lab coat, and safety goggles when handling U-50488. Avoid direct skin or eye contact, as effects in humans are not well studied.

• Work in a Fume Hood
  Handling the compound in a chemical fume hood reduces the risk of inhalation and prevents environmental contamination, especially when weighing or dissolving the powder.

• Use Proper Ventilation and Containment
  Ensure that all manipulations are done in a well-ventilated area using airtight containers and chemically resistant tools to minimize aerosol generation.

• Label and Store Properly
  All containers should be clearly labeled with the compound name, batch number, date received, and hazard classification. Store separately from food or non-lab items.

• Spill Response Protocols
  In the event of a spill, evacuate the area and follow your institution’s hazardous material cleanup procedures. Do not attempt to clean without appropriate training and protective equipment.

• Dispose of Waste Responsibly
  Any unused material, contaminated gloves, vials, or syringes should be disposed of through a certified hazardous waste disposal service. Do not flush or discard with general waste.

Although U-50488 is not approved for human use, extensive preclinical studies in animals have revealed a consistent set of physiological and behavioral side effects. These effects are crucial to understanding the compound’s limitations and its pharmacodynamic footprint in controlled experiments.

• Sedation and Reduced Motor Activity
  In rodents and other test animals, U-50488 induces notable sedation and hypolocomotion. This is a hallmark of kappa-opioid receptor activation and must be accounted for in behavioral experiments.

• Dysphoria and Aversion
  Unlike μ-opioid receptor agonists, which tend to be rewarding, U-50488 causes aversive states in animal models. This has been confirmed using place-conditioning paradigms, where animals avoid environments associated with its administration.

• Mild Motor Impairment
  Studies have shown temporary impairments in motor coordination and muscle control, often evaluated via rotarod or balance beam tests. These effects are dose-dependent and reversible after cessation.

• Gastrointestinal Suppression
  Some studies report a decrease in gut motility and appetite following U-50488 exposure, although this is less pronounced than with μ-opioid drugs.

• Tolerance with Repeated Use
  Chronic exposure may lead to a mild form of receptor tolerance. However, the development of tolerance is slower and less intense than with traditional opioids.

• No Respiratory Depression
  One of U-50488’s distinguishing safety features is the absence of respiratory suppression, even at relatively high doses in animal models. This contrasts sharply with the lethal risk posed by μ-opioid receptor agonists.

Yes, RC Plug offers discreet and compliant international shipping of U-50488 to research institutions across the globe. However, buyers must ensure that importation is allowed in their jurisdiction, as laws vary by country and even region.

• Customs-Friendly Packaging
  All orders are shipped in plain, non-branded packaging without product names, ensuring discretion and minimizing customs scrutiny.

• Tracking Number Provided
  Once dispatched, every U-50488 order includes a tracking ID, allowing researchers to monitor its real-time location and anticipate delivery timelines.

• Available to Most Countries
  We regularly ship to the United States, Canada, EU member states, Australia, parts of Asia, and more. However, each country’s laws and customs policies must be confirmed by the buyer.

• Compliance Documentation Included
  We provide essential documentation such as the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to assist with customs clearance and institutional records.

• No Prescription Required
  Because U-50488 is supplied strictly for research purposes, no medical prescription is needed. However, professional or institutional affiliation may be required for certain orders.

• Delivery Guarantee and Support
  If a shipment is lost or seized, our 30-day refund or replacement policy ensures your order is protected. Our support team assists with customs-related concerns.

To support professional research and institutional compliance, RC Plug provides comprehensive documentation with every shipment of U-50488. These documents not only verify quality but also aid in lawful import, safe handling, and accurate research reporting.

• Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
  Every batch of U-50488 comes with a CoA showing test results, including purity (≥98%), chemical identity, solvent traces, and other relevant data.

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
  The MSDS outlines physical, chemical, and toxicological properties, storage instructions, spill response actions, and PPE recommendations. This is crucial for laboratory safety protocols.

• Batch Number and Traceability Details
  Each container is labeled with a batch number and manufacture date, allowing for full traceability. This ensures researchers can replicate experiments or audit material history.

• Usage and Storage Guidelines
  Clear handling and storage instructions are provided to ensure compound integrity and researcher safety.

• Regulatory Compliance Tags
  Packages are marked “For Research Use Only – Not for Human Consumption” to emphasize the compound’s legal classification and prevent misuse.

• Optional Shipping Declaration
  For institutions requiring additional documentation, we can provide a declaration of non-human-use research material upon request.

Yes, U-50488 exhibits strong chemical and physical stability, provided it is stored under recommended laboratory conditions. Proper storage practices are essential to maintain its potency, structure, and experimental validity.

• Long-Term Stability at -20°C
  When stored in a dry, sealed container at -20°C, U-50488 remains chemically stable for up to 24 months without significant degradation.

• Stable During Shipping
  Our packaging includes desiccants and thermal insulation where needed, ensuring the compound’s integrity even during international transport.

• Degradation Risks
  Exposure to heat, light, or moisture can gradually degrade the compound. Signs of degradation include discoloration, clumping, or a noticeable chemical odor.

• Avoiding Cross-Contamination
  Always use separate tools and clean environments when handling to prevent contamination from solvents, biological agents, or other compounds.

• Minimizing Freeze-Thaw Cycles
  Repeated freezing and thawing can reduce shelf life and compromise solubility. It’s advisable to aliquot the powder into smaller portions for single-use purposes.

Yes, at RC Plug, we offer a 30-day full refund or replacement guarantee for all U-50488 orders. Our policy is designed to protect your investment and maintain trust in our services, especially when working with high-value research chemicals.

• Lost or Delayed Orders Covered
  If your order fails to arrive due to postal issues or customs delays, we will promptly send a replacement or issue a full refund.

• Damaged or Compromised Products
  Should the compound arrive degraded, tampered with, or in unsatisfactory condition, notify our support team with photographic evidence, and we will initiate a resolution.

• Incorrect Item or Quantity
  In the rare case of a packing error, we will send the correct amount or product at no extra cost. You may be asked to return the incorrect item depending on location.

• Customer Support for Claims
  Our dedicated support team handles refund and replacement requests quickly, usually within 24–48 hours of submission.

• Policy Conditions
  Refund or replacement requests must be initiated within 30 days of delivery. Items must be unopened and stored appropriately if return is requested.

• Zero Risk Guarantee
  Our policy ensures researchers never lose money on faulty or failed shipments. We take full responsibility for transit, quality, and packing integrity.

Yes, every batch of U-50488 sold by RC Plug is subjected to strict laboratory testing to verify its identity, purity, and safety for research use. We are committed to delivering compounds that meet the highest scientific and analytical standards.

• HPLC Purity Testing
  High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is conducted on each batch to verify chemical purity. Our U-50488 consistently tests at ≥98% purity, ensuring consistent and reliable results in research.

• NMR Structural Confirmation
  Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is used to confirm the molecular structure. This guarantees the compound’s authenticity and eliminates the possibility of isomeric or contaminant interference.

• Residual Solvent Analysis
  Testing includes checks for residual solvents to ensure the compound is safe for laboratory manipulation and is free from harmful manufacturing byproducts.

• Batch-Specific Documentation
  Each tested batch is paired with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), detailing all verification metrics including melting point, weight, and chromatographic profile.

• Quality Control Audits
  We work with GMP-compliant manufacturing partners who undergo regular audits to maintain consistency and transparency in quality control.

• Only Verified Products Shipped
  Batches that do not meet our testing criteria are never released for distribution. This eliminates the risk of compromised experiments due to substandard material.