FLATtening pain

Italian and Californian researchers have discovered a protein called FAAH-like anandamide transporter that helps inactivate the endocannabinoid signaling molecule anandamide, a naturally occurring analgesic.¹ The team has created a small molecule antagonist of the transporter protein that could be useful for treating pain.

Anandamide is a fatty acid amide that activates cannabinoid receptors at synapses in the brain. Pharmas have sought to mimic the analgesic effects of anandamide with centrally acting cannabinoid receptor agonists, but such compounds-for example, tetrahydrocannabinol-elicit cognitive side effects.²...