A New Target for Neuropathic Pain?

A phase 2 trial demonstrates the potential of angiotensin II type 2 antagonists, a new treatment target, to relieve the chronic neuropathic pain of postherpetic neuralgia.

Because existing treatments for postherpetic neuralgia are often insufficient or ineffective, researchers have been investigating EMA401, an oral angiotensin II type 2 (AT₂R) antagonist. For the current multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, phase 2, manufacturer-sponsored clinical trial, 183 participants with established postherpetic neuralgia received either EMA401 (100 mg twice daily) or placebo for 28 days. Trial sites were in eastern Europe, Ukraine, and South Africa. The primary outcome was the change in mean pain intensity, according to a 0–10 scale, as recorded in weekly patient-completed diaries.

During the last week of treatment, patients given EMA401 had significantly less pain compared with baseline than did t…

Reviewing Author

Michael Rowbotham, MD

A New Target for Neuropathic Pain?

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Reviewing Author