Identified: A potential non-addictive painkiller

Scientists have identified an enzyme that can help control inflammation and may pave the way for non-addictive painkillers with less side effects.

Millions of people suffer from substance abuse disorders, and thousands die as a result of drug abuse, researchers said. Researchers are seeking non-addictive chronic pain treatment options that produce few or no negative side effects. Ken Hsu, a professor at the University of Virginia in the US, and his graduate student, Myungsun Shin, identified an enzyme that ‘chews up fat’ molecules to produce chemical signals that controls inflammation.

The enzyme, called diacylglycerol lipase-beta (DAGL-b), is a possible new drug target for reducing pain.

Hsu developed selective molecules that inhibit DAGL-b and reduce inflammation, similarly to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.