Repurposed arthritis drug could become a non-opioid pain reliever

This is Archived Content. This content is available for historical purposes only. It may not reflect the current state of science or language from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). View current news releases on nida.nih.gov.

Image
Flask in scientist hand with dropping liquid to test tube
Image by ©Shutterstock/totjang1977

A compound once studied as an arthritis therapy has been given new life as a possible non-opioid pain reliever by NIDA-funded scientists. When used in combination with morphine, the cannabinoid agonist drug appears to block chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain while decreasing signs of opioid dependence in mice.

Study: