Mu Opioid Receptor Polymorphisms And Variability In Opioid Actions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$239,250.00
Summary
The treatment of pain in cancer patients is not optimal nor is the use of substitution therapy in heroin addiction. What links these two treatments is a group of drugs known as opioids- morphine for pain and methadone for dependence. People differ substantially in the dose of these two drugs to treat these conditions and the reasons for such large differences are not known. This application seeks to explore the role of genetic variations in the target site at which opioids act in explaining why ....The treatment of pain in cancer patients is not optimal nor is the use of substitution therapy in heroin addiction. What links these two treatments is a group of drugs known as opioids- morphine for pain and methadone for dependence. People differ substantially in the dose of these two drugs to treat these conditions and the reasons for such large differences are not known. This application seeks to explore the role of genetic variations in the target site at which opioids act in explaining why people differ in their response to these medicines. Studies on humans and cell preparations will allow one to study the basic mechanisms and then translate this into the actual clinical setting. If successful, the results could mean better dose and medicine selection for people with pain and those seeking treatment for heroin addiction.Read moreRead less
The Mechanisms Responsible For Tolerance At The Mu-opioid Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,815.00
Summary
Strong pain relieving opioid drugs like morphine lose their effectiveness when used for long periods because the single protein target for them in the body loses its� normal signalling functions. This research will determine the mechanisms responsible for this loss of function in brain nerve cells using novel methods to identify the molecular adaptations involved. This will provide a rational framework for development of pain relieving opioid drugs that can maintain long term efficacy.
Evaluating The Effect Of Morphine On Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,303.00
Summary
Prescription opiate poisoning deaths have increased substantially in recent years which may be worsened by population increases in obesity and related obstructive sleep apnea. However, no proper clinical trial has ever investigated the effect of an opiate on obstructive sleep apnea, which is the aim of the proposed trial. The study will be important in understanding ways to reduce opiate realted deaths and may also provide insights into new treatment methods for snoring and sleep apnea.
Developing Novel Neuroreceptor And Channel Therapies For Pain And Addiction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$808,375.00
Summary
Chronic pain is a growing and poorly treated global health burden. There is a great need for novel pain therapeutics. We are discovering novel drug targets in pain pathways in the nervous system and new therapeutic molecules that selectively block information flow in pain nerves. Strong pain relieving drugs like morphine also lose their effectiveness after long periods of use. We are finding mechanisms responsible for this thereby providing a rational basis for development of better opioids and ....Chronic pain is a growing and poorly treated global health burden. There is a great need for novel pain therapeutics. We are discovering novel drug targets in pain pathways in the nervous system and new therapeutic molecules that selectively block information flow in pain nerves. Strong pain relieving drugs like morphine also lose their effectiveness after long periods of use. We are finding mechanisms responsible for this thereby providing a rational basis for development of better opioids and pain treatments.Read moreRead less