Office of Technology Development

Pain Relief through Topical Application of Opioids in Combination with Local Anesthetics and/or NMDA Receptor Antagonists

SK 927/901/865

Summary of Invention

This suite of available technologies addresses topical administration of pain-relieving drugs to the peripheral tissues and offers important advantages over systemic administration. Compositions are provided for combinatorial topical applications to treat mucus membrane cavity pain (i.e. mucositis) as well as topical pain syndromes involving the skin (i.e. peripheral neuropathies, burns, trauma, etc.). Additionally, other compositions are provided which yield previously unknown synergistic effects of topically applied opioids, anesthetics or NMDA receptor antagonists that can provide even more analgesic activity. The topical administration described in these technologies circumvents difficulties associated with the severity of the side effects associated with opiates administered by other means.

Advantages

No demonstrated systemic physical dependence following repeated use
No sedation or respiratory depression
No hormonal effects
No effects exerted on gastrointestinal function

Areas of Application

Oral mucositis associated with cancer or dental pain associated with surgery
Analgesic for topical use on the skin

Stage of Development

Demonstration of effective pain relief in mouse models of pain. Lead inventor is eager to bring products covered by the claims of the patents to the clinic.

Lead Inventor

Gavril Pasternak, MD, PhD

Patent Information

U.S. patents issued:

Contact

Jeanne Farrell, PhD
Tel. 212-639-6181; Fax 212-717-3439
E-mail: farrelj1@mskcc.org

Categories

Therapeutics

administration (ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun)

In medicine, the act of giving a treatment, such as a drug, to a patient. It can also refer to the way it is given, the dose, or how often it is given.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

analgesic (A-nul-JEE-zik)

A drug that reduces pain. Analgesics include aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cavity (KA-vih-tee)

A hollow area or hole. It may describe a body cavity (such as the space within the abdomen) or a hole in a tooth caused by decay.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

gastrointestinal (GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul)

Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

membrane (MEM-brayn)

A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

mucositis (myoo-koh-SY-tis)

A complication of some cancer therapies in which the lining of the digestive system becomes inflamed. Often seen as sores in the mouth.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

mucus (MYOO-kus)

A thick, slippery fluid made by the membranes that line certain organs of the body, including the nose, mouth, throat, and vagina.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

oral (OR-ul)

By or having to do with the mouth.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

physical dependence (FIH-zih-kul dee-PEN-dents)

A condition in which a person takes a drug over time, and unpleasant physical symptoms occur if the drug is suddenly stopped or taken in smaller doses.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

receptor (reh-SEP-ter)

A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

synergistic (SIH-ner-JIS-tik)

In medicine, describes the interaction of two or more drugs when their combined effect is greater than the sum of the effects seen when each drug is given alone.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

systemic (sis-TEH-mik)

Affecting the entire body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

topical (TAH-pih-kul)

On the surface of the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

trauma (TRAW-muh)

Injury to the body, or an event that causes long-lasting mental or emotional damage.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)