Invention:
The core portion of the dynorphin protein was identified and modifications were made to that core to allow dynorphin to interact and antagonize a bradykinin receptor which is partially responsible for pain sensations.
Applications:
Since the invention antagonizes a receptor partly responsible for pain, the modified protein can be used as a form of analgesic. Alternatively, different modifications can be made to the dynorphin to allow it to function as an anti-inflammatory compound by antagonizing different receptors.
Advantages:
- Targets a small subset of receptors for very focused effects, which should result in a small range of potential side effects
- Given the potential anti-inflammatory effects, dynorphin could also be used to primarily relieve inflammation-based pain
- This analog targets higher level brain functions regarding pain, so it need not be topical
