(R.J.R. Biological Research); Bencherif, M.; Lippiello, P.M.
Scientists for both the Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Companies did research in an attempt to discover (or synthesize) chemicals that function like nicotine, but have other (presumably preferred) properties. For example, in the early 1980s, Philip Morris sought a nicotine analogue that would retain all the properties of nicotine but without the cardiac side effects.
This R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJR) Biological Research Report shows that RJR synthesized nicotine analogues with muscle relaxant properties. According to the report, these compounds act on "human muscle nicotinic receptors."
Reports like this make RJR appear to be engaging in pharmaceutical research. In fact, the report indicates the RJR was investigating chemicals with clinically therapuetic properties. The report says,
"More than 130 compounds have been evaluated for their potential clinical use as muscle relaxants, and as potential candidates in the management of ulcerative colitis, Tourette syndrome, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer's disease, Attention Deficit Disorder and schizophrenia...A patent application for muscle relaxants covering the compounds described above is filed and patents applications for RJR compounds covering several other disorders are in progress."
The question piques one's curiosity: Why was a tobacco company seeking to create muscle-relaxant compounds?