Researchers at Tulane University School of Medicine are working on a genetically engineered version of endorphin. For those of you who don't know, endorphins are the feel-good, pain killing substance that the human body produces as a way of relieving pain. Endomorphin The genetically engineered version, known as endomorphin, seems to work at least as well as morphine in preliminary studies. The best part is, the risks of morphine usage--such as respiratory depression and impaired motor skills--do not seem to occur when endomorphin is used. In addition, endomorphin does not appear to be addictive in nature. According to lead researcher James Zadina, it's unprecedented to that a peptide such as endomorphin can fight pain so well without the side effects of the opioid drugs currently in use. Clinical trials are expected to begin within a couple of years. Source: PainWeek; Wikimedia
This blog is for chronic pain sufferers and their families. My intent is to help everyone who is affected on some level by chronic pain. I research and present news and ideas to help improve quality of life and minimize suffering and downtime!