Leconotide's potential for non-opioid pain relief

Researchers have presented the results of a preclinical study of leconotide, an investigational calcium channel blocker, as a new  non-opioid treatment for pain relief, at the American Academy of Pain  Medicine's 25th annual meeting.

In the study, leconotide, when given intravenously to treat neuropathic  pain, was selective for calcium channels involved with pain and it did  not act on other calcium channels to cause side effects, as has been  seen in studies of other such agents. It was efficacious alone, but more  so when it was given in combination with a potassium channel opener  (flupirtine), the scientists said.

The trial also showed that leconotide, unlike currently-available  treatments of this type, does not have to be administered directly into  the spinal fluid to achieve pain relief, and so could have the potential  to be delivered via nasal spray, transdermal patch or pill.