Blogging for Freedom

Cambridge, Mass. -- Cannabinoids, chemical agents found in the marijuana plant and endogenous to the human body, are the most promising approach to treating a common type of pain, according to an elite group of pain specialists convened by MedPanel to discuss the challenges and future of treating neuropathic (nerve injury) pain.

Despite widespread acknowledgement of the inadequacy of current therapies for this type of pain, the specialists view Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a cannabinoid drug as a thorny process that will be hampered by politics, prejudice and a lack of education on the part of the FDA, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and general public concerning the nature of cannabinoid agents.

While it is difficult to estimate the number of people suffering from neuropathic pain, the condition is frequently seen in patients with diabetes, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, HIV, diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, and in certain post-surgical populations.

"During the summit we asked the group to respond to data pertaining to several novel drug therapies and classes of agents under study, and at the conclusion of the meeting they told us that cannabinoids' potential for a strong analgesic affect, broad action on the central nervous system, reduced side effects and use in combination with other therapies is more exciting to them than several other investigational approaches," said Matt Fearer, Senior Vice President, Content Development for MedPanel.

"It appears, however, that an unfortunate sociopolitical climate could delay or prevent the approval of potentially valuable therapies for millions of people suffering from neuropathic pain," he added.