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Return to introduction on drug discovery ~ LeadDiscovery Reports CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonists offer analgesia against neuropathic and other types of pain despite their lack of binding within the CNS Cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonists produce analgesia despite their inactivity within the CNS. This has now been shown to relate to the release of endogenous beta-endorphin from the periphery which in turn acts to prevent activation of primary afferent neurons. Pain products generated global sales of nearly US$40 billion in 2003 (including anesthetics and antimigraine agents) and this is expected to double by 2010 (see the analgesia section of our feature CNS Drug Discoveries: What the future holds). Pain is associated with a broad range of diseases and is often poorly diagnosed and treated. There has been tremendous research activity into the treatment of pain and many types of pain remain relatively unexplored. Neuropathic pain represents a particular focus of the pharmaceutical industry. Approximately 26 million patients worldwide suffer from some form of neuropathic pain, spending an estimated US$2.5 billion globally in 2003. A number of companies are evaluating therapeutic agents that act on the cannabinoid system as a novel approach to pain. GW pharmaceuticals is one of the leaders in the field of
cannabinoid-based analgesics. Their lead, Sativex, is currently being assessed
by both
CB2 agonists produce analgesia in models of neuropathic as well as inflammatory pain suggesting that selective agonists could produce analgesia without psychoactivity; the mechanism of this effect is however unclear. The highlighted PNAS paper reports that CB2 receptor activation stimulates the release of endogenous beta-endorphin from the periphery which in turn acts to prevent activation of primary afferent neurons. Entry date
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 Feb 10; [Epub ahead of print] LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
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