I have broken more than a few bones- more than a few times each. I’ve been in a few wrecks. And, just a few weeks ago, I managed to obtain (now, there’s a verb choice) a second and third degree burn on my left arm. I was stunned- performed the best first aid I could and bundled myself off to the emergency clinic.
Why am I telling you this? Because each of these events were uncomfortable, but not painful. And, that makes me- and folks like me- of great interest to the pharmaceutical companies. Because they have finally figured out that painkillers are not the right way to go- instead they are seeking to develop partial or complete immunity to pain. Before you jump to all sorts of conclusions, you should know that pain serves a critical function- it keeps folks from breaking bones, burning themselves, etc- because the increasing sensation serves as a warning. (Yes, I can recall my folks telling me not to engage in a slew of activities because I failed to sense those twinges that serve as warnings.)
Those folks with an SCN9A gene mutation may be the route to such a development. This gene governs the sodium channel (voltage gate). Mutations within that gene either provide enhanced pain sensation or block feelings of pain. The gene is expressed in peripheral nerves and the basal ganglia.
About 20% of Americans struggle with chronic pain- and devour ibuprofen, naproxen, and even addictive drugs such as morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. The problem is if nerve damage is part of the reason for their neuropathic pain, then painkillers provide little, if any, relief. And, that situation obtains with 8% of the population.
Hence, the goal of developing a drug to block nerve cell pain conduction. The Nav1.7 sodium channel (which is a protein based function, comprised of almost 2000 amino acids) affords the transportation across cell membranes (via a pore-like structure). (You remember learning about those action potentials that provide nerve impulse conduction, right?) Pfizer, Convergence Pharmaceuticals, and Xenon Pharmaceuticals (in concert with Teva Pharmaceuticals) are actually testing their new developments in various patients. Some of those patients are suffering from erythromelagia- a genetic condition that one could politely say is the direct opposite of pain-free life. (This disease is sometimes called ‘Man on Fire syndrome’.)
(The test involves wrapping a warm blanket about their legs; the resulting intense pain cuts in and the subjects are then provided either the drug or placebo. This is repeated a few times a day. )
While we are not positive about the drugs efficacy, we do know it is not addictive.
Stay tuned for future developments.
RT Pain has a purpose @RAAckerman: You are (not) a pain in my…: http://t.co/YRm4UdY68P #blogboost #blogtribe #tlcclub #pain #analgesic
You don’t need sleep and you don’t feel pain? And a lot of times you don’t eat if you can’t find something kosher? What do you do?
I need sleep- just less than you. And, the same with pain…
Kosher food is always easy to find. OK- as long as you recognize that apples, pears, tomatoes, celery- all those natural things are naturally kosher, Marie.
No wonder you are so prolific.If you don’t feel pain, who needs a silly thing like sleep. 😉 Fascinating, as always, Roy.
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Sleep does not assuage pain- at least, no one ever told me that before, Cathy…
And, I do feel pain- just at a different threshold than most. Which explains how I end up with those broken bones, cuts, burns, etc.
I like http://t.co/Nu0r6zg906 A new outlook on pain-free Roy’s breadth of knowledge never ceases to fascinate
You are (not) a pain in my … http://t.co/sGvL9dblV3 via @Adjuvancy
I read the article, and the went to comment…I saw Marie’s comment and laughed out loud. If I were a cartoonist you would be getting “Dr. Roy Ackerman, Super Jew” cartoons from me just from her description. 😀
This is cool new information. Bone pain is one of the hardest pains to manage, and I think it would be a great type of drug for those who, like my late husband, had cancer infiltration in the bones.
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I certainly hope they can develop the right therapy with this concept, Lisa. It is so much better obviating the pain sensation compared to attenuating its results.
Also, how did you burn yourself?
Lisa recently posted..Baby Angel With Teddy by Lisa Brandel
Well, in a nutshell, Lisa, it was changing routines.
It was Passover, so things were not they usually are- and different pots and pans are used. I use a Melitta coffeemaker, which has a small handle. Being a lefty, the coffee pot was on my left. And, I was cutting something for dinner on the cutting board. And, I hit the handle of the Melitta with my cutting hand (the left one), and it (the contents of the funnel- hot grounds and hot coffee) were deposited up and down my left arm. And, I watched it…
http://t.co/pfLxGCOpMK via @Adjuvancy What would you do if you could feel no pain? Some might just lead normal lives.