The receptor that the Kyoto University scientists studied belongs to the adrenergic receptor family — α2A, α2B, α2C — but none of the approved drugs have the ability to inhibit α2B with high precision. Existing drugs, such as dexmedetomidine, act on a wide range of α2 receptors. They cause sedation and are not intended for oral administration.
ADRIANA (also known as an adrenergic analgesia inducer) is the first known compound to selectively block α2B-adrenergic receptors without causing sedation, movement disorders or cardiovascular problems, New Atlas reports.
The α2B receptor becomes more active after nerve damage. Scientists were able to inhibit it, which significantly reduced neuropathic pain in mice. However, the drug is applicable not only for treating this type of pain. Preclinical studies have shown its potential in relieving inflammatory and postoperative pain: the drug provided effective pain relief in mice with spinal nerve damage, paw inflammation, and surgical incisions.
"If successfully commercialized, ADRIANA will offer a new non-opioid-based pain treatment option. This will greatly contribute to reducing the use of opioids in clinical settings," said Masatoshi Hagiwara, co-author of the study.
Clinical trials have shown that the drug is safe and well tolerated, and is effective in treating postoperative pain following lung cancer surgery. Phase II trials are pending.
Scientists in Australia have developed the PainWaive game, a home therapy system that helps people with chronic neuropathic pain learn to control their brain waves and reduce pain without medication. In a pilot study, three out of four participants experienced significant pain relief after four weeks, comparable to the effects of opioids.
