A new CNS-available formulation HDACi for management of chronic pain
NU 2017-031
INVENTORS
Vania A. Apkarian*
Kasturi Haldar
Maria V. Centeno
Suhail Alam
SHORT DESCRIPTION
A novel non-opioid, epigenetic drug for pain relief
BACKGROUND
Chronic pain is a major public health problem, and it is the number one source of disability in the United States. Treatment options for chronic pain are limited, and many of the available treatments have side effects. Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition that can be caused by nerve damage or a malfunctioning nervous system. It is often described as a shooting or burning pain, and it can be debilitating. There is no cure for neuropathic pain, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. Opioids are commonly prescribed for chronic pain, but they can be addictive and dangerous. Novel drug treatment options for chronic pain are urgently needed. Researchers are working on new treatments that target the underlying causes of neuropathic pain, and these treatments have the potential to provide relief for millions of people who suffer from this condition.
ABSTRACT
Chronic pain arises from influences on gene expression. Modulating this process has great promise for treating chronic pain. Scientists at Northwestern have developed a new epigenetic drug (non-opioid) formulation that gives rise to robust pain relief (~50%) sustained over weeks with a single dose of abdominal administration, with no obvious signs of toxicity. The drug formulation, a triple combination formulation (TCF) comprising Vo (a pan-histodine deactelyase inhibitor), the caging agent 2-hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin (HPBCD), and polyethylglycol (PEG) was formulated as a therapeutic for neurodegenerative disorders but shows efficacy in a pain animal model. The elements of the drug are FDA approved for other purposes. The drug is designed to give a low dose of transcriptome altering ingredient as to avoid damaging natural processes in the body. It is currently in pre-clinical trials, but it has the potential to be a major breakthrough in the treatment of chronic pain.
APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES
PUBLICATION
Alam MS, Getz M, Haldar K. Chronic administration of an HDAC inhibitor treats both neurological and systemic Niemann-Pick type C disease in a mouse model. Sci Transl Med. 2016 Feb 17;8(326):326ra23.
IP STATUS
US patent application has been filed
Treatment with HDACi reduces pain in animal model