Abstract: Provided herein is a compound represented by Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate or complex thereof. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound noted above, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a buprenorphine dimer compound, wherein the two buprenorphine portions are linked via an ethylene spacer, wherein the spacer is bonded to the two opioid molecules via an ether bond. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such a buprenorphine dimer drug are also disclosed, and the use of such compounds in the treatment of gastrointestinal hyperalgesia generally and in particular diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically active homo-dimers of opioid and other pharmaceutically active agents characterized by a single phenolic hydroxyl group wherein the respective monomers are ether-linked through such groups by an ethylene residue. The dimers share the receptor pharmacology of the corresponding monomer, in particular cases are non-absorbed, and the ether link of the dimers is particularly resistant to metabolism when administered to a subject, all conferring divers advantages relative to the corresponding monomers. Exemplary of the dimers are those of buprenorphine, naloxone, naltrexone, des-venlafaxine, albuterol and acetaminophen.