V158866
Summary
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) has been the target for a late-stage research programme for the management of pain and has resulted in a lead molecule, V158866, advancing into pre-clinical development in March 2009. FAAH is the enzyme responsible for metabolism of the endocannabinoid anandamide and its inhibition results in elevated anandamide. Anandamide is a central and peripheral neurotransmitter which, amongst other actions, can interact with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.
In man, stimulation of these receptors has been shown to relieve chronic pain in patients with spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. As FAAH inhibitors are thought to selectively increase anandamide in tissues mediating pain responses, they cause a powerful analgesic response in the absence of the side effects associated with more widespread cannabinoid receptor activation.
The Group anticipates V158866 will enter clinical development in 2010 and Phase I is expected to include evaluation of the effects of the compound in one or more experimental models of pain.
