painkillers

Prolonged exposure to morphine triggers cells in the spine to release signaling molecules that increase pain sensitivity and dull the relief of the drug. Blocking this activity could improve pain management.

Research in mice suggests that moderating nerve activity with drugs or electrical pulses could modify tissue immune responses, curtailing the chronic pain often associated with inflammatory conditions.

Results of a study suggest that toxicologists should look further than exposed individuals for contaminant effects.

Researchers silence pain neurons in the mouse spinal cord with injections of botulinum toxins modified to bind to the neurons’ receptors.

The announcement comes after an agency working group recommends against an industry partnership on ethical grounds.

Researchers are beginning to tease apart the mechanisms underlying differences in how males and females respond to powerful painkillers.

Cone snail venom researcher Mandë Holford discusses the therapeutic potential of toxins found in animals.

Aimed at primary care providers, the recommendations encourage non-narcotic alternatives or short-term opioid prescriptions and patient monitoring.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a long-awaited handheld device for the treatment of opioid-overdose emergencies.

Developing nonaddictive drugs to combat pain