Methods, compositions, and kits for treating pain and pruritus
AssigneesPresidents and Fellows of Harvard College, The General Hospital Corporation
InventorsBruce P. Bean, Clifford J. Woolf
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention features methods, compositions, and kits for selective inhibition of pain-and itch sensing neurons (nociceptors and pruriceptors) by drug molecules of small molecule weight, while minimizing effects on non-pain-sensing neurons or other types of cells.
Claims20
A method for treating pain or itch in a patient, said method comprising administering to said patient:
- (i) a first compound that activates a channel-forming receptor that is present on nociceptors or pruriceptors;
- (ii) a second compound that inhibits one or more voltage-gated ion channels when applied to the internal face of said channels but does not substantially inhibit said channels when applied to the external face of said channels, wherein said second compound is capable of entering nociceptors or pruriceptors through said channel-forming receptor when said receptor is activated;
- and optionally
- (iii) a third compound that inhibits one or more voltage-gated ion channels, wherein said third compound is membrane permeable.
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-20. (canceled)
A composition comprising:
- (i) a first compound that activates a channel-forming receptor that is present on nociceptors or pruriceptors;
- (ii) a second compound that inhibits one or more voltage-gated ion channels when applied to the internal face of said channels but does not substantially inhibit said channels when applied to the external face of said channels, wherein said second compound is capable of entering nociceptors or pruriceptors through said channel-forming receptor when said receptor is activated;
- and, optionally,
- (iii) a third compound that inhibits one or more voltage-gated ion channels, wherein said third compound is membrane permeable.
-29. (canceled)
A quarternary amine derivative or other permanently or transiently charged derivative of a compound selected from the group consisting of riluzole, mexilitine, phenyloin, carbamazepine, procaine, articaine, bupivicaine, mepivicaine, tocamide, prilocalne, diisopyramide, bencyclane, quinidine, bretylium, lifarizine, lamotrigine, flunarizine, and fluspirilene.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.