Benzhydrocodone

Benzhydrocodone (INN) (contracted from benzoate-hydrocodone) is a opioid prodrug of the morphinan class. Its chemical structure consists of hydrocodone coupled with benzoic acid. Benzhydrocodone itself is inactive and acts as a prodrug to hydrocodone upon cleavage of the benzoate portion of the molecule.

It is designed to be an opioid analgesic with a low chance of recreational use.

Created by a biopharmaceutical company in Coralville, Iowa. President and CEO, Travis Mickle, believes the molecular-based approach to abuse deterrent may be more effective than many formulation-based approaches.