D-enantiomeric peptides for the therapy of chronic and neuropathic pain

A method of treating pain and/or of inhibiting N-type neuronal calcium channels (NCCs), wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition consisting of or comprising one or more peptides selected from RD2, D3, homologs having at least 50% identity and derivatives of RD2 or D3, and also polymers comprising or consisting of RD2, D3, homologs having at least 50% identity and derivatives of RD2 and D3.

A method of reducing the release of neurotransmitters compared to a control in a subject in need thereof, wherein the method comprises contacting a composition consisting of or comprising peptides selected from RD2, D3, homologs having at least 50% identity and derivatives of RD2 or D3, and also polymers comprising RD2, D3, homologs having at least 50% identity and derivatives of RD2 and/or D3 for use as an analgesic in the subject in need thereof with an N-type NCC.

A method of inhibiting an N-type NCC compared to a control, wherein the method comprises contacting the N-type NCC in a subject in need thereof with a composition consisting of or comprising peptides selected from RD2, D3, homologs having at least 50% identity and derivatives of RD2 or D3, and also polymers containing RD2, D3, homologs having at least 50% identity and derivatives of RD2 and/or D3.