Neurology

Mouse studies suggest inhibiting inflammatory macrophages could help treat Type II diabetes-associated pain. In a mouse model of Type II diabetes, the macrophage-targeting immunotoxin Mac1-saporin decreased disease-induced mechanical allodynia compared with vehicle. Also in the model, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α₄β₂ agonist tool compound, which negatively regulates inflammatory macrophages, decreased disease-induced mechanical allodynia. Next steps could include testing other nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α₄β₂ agonists in models of Type II diabetes-associated pain.

Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. and Achieve Life Sciences Inc. market the nAChR α₄β₂ agonist Tabex cystisine for smoking cessation...