Nerve growth factor signals through receptors of the tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) family. Research conducted in animals suggests that inhibitors of Trks A, B, and C could reduce pain.

A study published recently in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology demonstrates the possibility of pain relief in humans using a Trk inhibitor.

In a randomized, double blind, crossover study with 20 participants, the Trk inhibitor was compared with pregabalin, ibuprofen, and placebo, explains a media release from Wiley.

“One striking aspect of this study is the use of a pain challenge model to assess this novel Trk mechanism. By determining the effect of a single dose of the drug in healthy subjects, we were able to provide an early demonstration of analgesia without the need to run a large patient study,” says lead author Dr Peter Loudon, of Pfizer WRD, in the UK.

“Furthermore, the use of a range of different pain challenge models has provided some information on the quality of effect, which may help predict the best patient population for future studies,” he adds.

[Source(s): Wiley, Science Daily]