New drug combination might be more effective pai...( stions: Can glucosamine actually block ...),Health

First, the researchers confirmed that glucosamine, alone, does not block pain. It's believed that any pain-relieving properties of glucosamine are a side effect of its ability to repair bone damage. Next, they combined glucosamine with a variety of NSAIDs at a variety of dosages. With several NSAIDs, including naproxen, the addition of glucosamine caused an additive effect, meaning the sum of each drug's properties. When combined with aspirin or acetaminophen, the result was subadditive, or less than the sum of each drug's properties. But when combined with ibuprofen, the researchers found pain relief was enhanced and therefore synergistic.

"The next step will be to study this drug combination in clinical trials to see whether it can enhance pain relief or offer pain relief using a lower dose of ibuprofen and therefore a lower risk of side effects," said Cowan. The researchers are also investigating other possible drug combinations for the potential relief of pain. Raffa and Tallarida played a role in the development of Ultracet, a combination of tramadol and acetominophen used in the treatment of pain. And Cowan contributed to the development of buprenorphine which, when combined with naloxone, is used in the treatment of opiate addiction.

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Contact: Eryn Jelesiewicz
eryn.jelesiewicz@temple.edu
215-707-0730
Temple University
6-Jan-2004