Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study: Investigation of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and antihyperalgesic activity of l-4-chlorokynurenine in healthy volunteers.

Background And Aims: Neuropathic pain is a significant medical problem needing more effective treatments with fewer side effects. Overactive glutamatergic transmission via N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are known to play a role in central sensitization and neuropathic pain. Although ketamine, a NMDAR channel-blocking antagonist, is often used for neuropathic pain, its side-effect profile and abusive potential has prompted the search for a safer effective oral analgesic.

Poly(ester amide) co-polymers promote blood and tissue compatibility.

A family of biodegradable poly(ester amide) (PEA) co-polymers based on naturally occurring alpha-amino acids has been developed for applications ranging from biomedical device coatings to delivery of therapeutic biologics. An important feature of PEA co-polymer coatings may be their ability to promote a natural healing response. To gain insight into this process, representative elastomeric PEAs designed for a cardiovascular stent coating were compared to non-degradable and biodegradable polymers in a series of in vitro assays to examine blood and cellular responses.