Addressing the Problem of Prolonged and Neuropathic Pain with Multivalent Ligands That Treat the Disease State

摘要

The treatment of acute pain with opiates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), COX inhibitors, etc. often works quite well despite the inherent toxicities for each of these treatment modalities. On the other hand, the treatment of prolonged pain and especially neuropathic pain is much more problematic due to numerous "complications." Indeed, current treatments generally only modulate the pain, and generally tolerance occurs [1] requiring increased doses leading to severe toxicities. In the case of opioids prolonged treatment often results in more pain.