Papers of the Week

Neuropathic pain (NP) affects up to 10 % of the global population and is caused by an injury or a disease affecting the somatosensory, peripheral, or central nervous system. NP is characterized by chronic, severe, and opioid-resistant properties. Therefore, its clinical management remains very challenging. The N-type voltage-gated calcium channel Ca 2.2 is a validated target for therapeutic intervention in chronic and neuropathic pain. The conotoxin Prialt is an FDA-approved drug that blocks Ca 2.2 channel but needs to be administered intrathecally. Thus, although being principally efficient, the required application route is very much in disfavor.