RPI Researchers Develop Innovative Approach to Treat Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have developed a new approach to treating chronic neuropathic pain, focusing on enhancing the nervous system's natural inhibitory controls rather than relying on opioids. The research, published in Nature Communications, targets GlyT2, a neuronal glycine transporter, using a newly synthesized compound, RPI-GLYT2-82. This compound binds reversibly to GlyT2, avoiding the significant side effects associated with irreversible inhibitors. Preclinical studies have shown that RPI-GLYT2-82 provides effective pain relief without causing neuromotor impairment, seizures, or addiction, even at higher doses. This breakthrough offers a promising path towards safer, non-addictive pain therapies.