A team of researchers from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has developed an innovative way to treat neuropathic pain using light.
This new approach, known as photopharmacology, involves modifying drugs so they can be activated by light in specific parts of the body.
The researchers focused on carbamazepine, a drug commonly used to treat epilepsy and some types of neuropathic pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia.
They created photoswitchable versions of this drug by adding a light-activated molecular switch, like azobenzene.
These modified drugs, called carbazopine-1 and carbadiazocine, can be activated by amber light, which can penetrate through tissue and bone using regular halogen lamps.
These light-activated compounds work by inhibiting nerve signals only when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This allows for precise, on-demand pain relief without affecting other parts of the body.
In experiments with zebrafish larvae, the researchers demonstrated that the drugs could control neuron activity and movement.
When the larvae were exposed to light of a certain wavelength, they moved faster. Changing the wavelength slowed their movement, showing the reversible effect of the drug.
Carbadiazocine was also tested in rats and showed promising results for pain relief. It provided effective pain relief for neuropathic pain without causing anesthesia, sedation, or toxicity.
This suggests a potential new treatment that avoids the side effects of traditional painkillers like opioids.
Neuropathic pain, caused by damage or disease in the nervous system, includes conditions like sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, and chronic post-operative pain. Current treatments often rely on opioids, which can have severe side effects and risk of addiction. Light-based therapies offer a promising alternative by targeting specific areas of the body and minimizing these risks.
The research team is now working on the next steps, aiming to activate these drugs using infrared light, which can penetrate deeper into the body. They are also exploring the use of portable light sources, such as lasers or LEDs, to make the treatment more practical.
This new approach to treating neuropathic pain could revolutionize pain management, offering a safer and more effective option for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions.
