Novel Neuropathy Treatment Using Soluble Epoxide Inhibitors

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a new method and composition of blocking pain using a novel class of analgesic agents and a synergistic combination involving soluble epoxide inhibitors.

Full Description

About 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathies are a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes, with symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Nerve problems can occur in every organ system, including the digestive tract, heart, and even sex organs. Current medications for diabetes-mediated pain target ion channels, but are largely ineffective at helping patients manage pain.

Currently, all FDA approved analgesics for neuropathic pain work by suppressing nerve activity. Although this is effective in certain cases, its limitations include lack of broad efficacy and serious side effects associated with blocking all neural excitability in a non-selective manner. There is a need for specific drugs to provide satisfactory therapy to a large number of patients suffering from neuropathic pain.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a new method and composition of blocking pain using a novel class of analgesic agents and a synergistic combination involving soluble epoxide inhibitors. This large class of inhibitors, which targets endoplasmic reticulum stress, treats the source of this unyielding pain instead of the symptoms. These compounds are non-opiate (non-addictive), non-nsaid (no detected cardiovascular or gastrointestinal toxicity), and do not cause the problems with strength, cognition, coordination, or mobility associated with other pain treatments. Due to the variety among soluble epoxide inhibitors, it would allow clinicians to specifically target particular pain regions rather than suppressing neural activity on the whole.

Applications

• Treatment for neuropathy

Features/Benefits

• Treats the root cause of pain
• Provides a variety of therapy options
• Target types of pain that are not treated effective

Patent Status