July 10, 2013
Chronic Pain Therapy Research From Dogs To Humans
The study of chronic pain has led researchers down a variety of paths with the goal of finding a means to alleviate suffering in the most effective way possible. In one study, University of Colorado researchers are currently examining an effective treatment for chronic pain in dogs as a means to further treatment possibilities for humans.
The study works with volunteers whose pets have been diagnosed with a chronic pain disease. The research focuses on spinal pain and joint problems, including arthritis. To treat the issue, a gene therapy including a protein and anti-inflammatory (Interleukin-10, or IL-10) is injected into the spine or affected joints while the dog is sedated. The treatment gives dogs with chronic pain problems an opportunity to move more freely again.
Leading the study is Linda Watkins, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Co-Chair, Advisory Board, Xalud Therapeutics, Inc. "Our early peek at the potential of this therapeutic treatment in dogs shows essentially the same positive effects we have seen in laboratory rats used in our studies that have been treated with the therapy". Showcasing the efficacy as well as the safety of this treatment in a second mammal is an important step toward eventual approval for use in humans, from the FDA. Regarding the study, Watkins said "Our ultimate goal is to find a means by which clinical pain control can be improved so as to relieve human suffering".
Watkins will present research on activating Glial Cells as part of the speaking faculty at the 7th Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit East (wwwpaintherapeuticsummiteast.com ) in Boston,. In neuropathic pain, glial cells become activated, causing them to release substances that pathologically amplify pain. This new understanding has provided an explanation for the clinical experience that opioids often have pain-promoting side effects. Opioid administration causes glial activation, which paradoxically opposes the pain-modulating effect of opioids. Reversal of the pro-inflammatory activation of glia would thus not only reverse neuropathic pain in general but should also enhance the clinical efficacy of morphine and other opioids
Gene therapy treatments for neuropathic pain are a focus of Xalud Therapeutics. The company is developing XT-101, a single administration therapeutic designed to reverse glial activation. XT-101 is an intrathecal therapy that drives the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) at the spinal cord. Watkins’ presentation will describe evidence demonstrating a critical role of glial activation in creating and maintaining pathological pain states, such as neuropathic pain and data to support the potential of XT-101 in reversing this state.
For more information on the 7th Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit East on September 25-26, 2013 in Boston please visit: www.paintherapeuticsummiteast.com or for more information on the 7th Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit in San Diego, CA on November 7-8, 2013 please visit: www.paintherapeuticsummit.com
Source: http://bit.ly/1bHEJOx