Methods for Treating Chronic Pain

Studies conducted by researchers have demonstrated that ceramide-derived S1P plays a key role in the development of morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. This provides a novel mechanistic rationale for development of inhibitors of ceramide and S1P as adjunct to opiates in pain management. Researchers have developed methods for using anti-S1P antibodies and anti-S1P receptor antibodies for therapeutic purposes.

BACKGROUND:
Inadequate treatment of pain is a significant health problem both within the United States and throughout the worldwide. Approximately one-third of allAmericans suffer from some form of chronic pain, many of whom endure pain resistant to current medicaltherapies. Chronic opiate therapy generally leads to reduced analgesic effectiveness, escalating doses, and distressing side effects. Researchers have developed new approaches for treating chronic pain that overcome these limitations.

BENEFITS:
The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Minimize impact of reductions in analgesic effectiveness
• Minimize dose escalation for treating pain
• Minimize addiction to opiate-based pain treatments
• Increase alternatives to opiate-based treatments for chronic pain

APPLICATIONS:
This technology has potential application for treating chronic pain.