Uncoupling pain from the psyche

University of Toronto researchers have reported a way to block pain-induced activation of neuronal receptors while preserving their basic functions.¹The strategy could avoid the psychomotor side effects associated with centrally acting chronic pain drugs such as N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor antagonists. The researchers have already founded a biotech, NoNO Inc., to advance the strategy.

Chronic neuropathic pain is caused by damage to the peripheral or central nervous systems. Unlike acute pain, which is self-limiting and self-resolving, neuropathic pain can persist for decades after the initial injury. Its hallmarks are allodynia, which is pain in response to a usually nonpainful stimulus like a light touch, and hyperalgesia, which is abnormally increased sensitivity to a painful stimulus...