10-24-2023 2:50pm

A team led by UCLA Dentistry has been awarded a $5 million federal grant

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

A team led by UCLA Dentistry has been awarded a $5 million federal grant to create a non-addictive synthetic cannabinoid that is both safe and effective.

Dr. Igor Spigelman, the esteemed chair of the biosystems and function section at UCLA School of Dentistry, has been granted a substantial $5 million by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to support groundbreaking research. This study aims to develop a non-addictive cannabis-based pain medication specifically tailored for oral cancer patients.

Over the course of five years, a team of experts from various fields including dentistry, chemistry and biochemistry, psychiatry, and biobehavioral sciences will collaborate on this comprehensive research project. By combining their collective knowledge and skills, they aspire to produce a medical breakthrough that not only effectively manages pain but also reduces the risk of addiction.

Unlike conventional medicinal cannabis products that may have side effects, synthetic cannabinoids offer a promising alternative. These lab-engineered compounds target receptors outside of the brain and can be formulated without addictive properties. This research aligns with nationwide efforts to address opioid misuse while simultaneously enhancing pain management strategies.

Through this pioneering study supported by federal funding, Dr. Spigelman and his dedicated team are committed to revolutionizing pharmaceutical options for individuals suffering from oral cancer-related pain. Their relentless endeavor to discover safe and effective treatments exemplifies their dedication to advancing medical science for the betterment of patients worldwide.

“We are dedicated to developing a new class of medications that alleviate cancer pain without the adverse effects of addiction,” said Spigelman, who also directs the school’s doctoral program in oral biology. “Our synthetic compounds offer a promising alternative by directly addressing the chronic pain experienced by oral cancer patients, enhancing their quality of life without compromising mental acuity, motor coordination or memory.”

Previously pre-clinical studies by researchers have shown the effectiveness of such compounds in suppressing cancer- and chemotherapy-induced pain without inducing tolerance to the medicine.

Once the medication is optimized, Spigelman’s team plans to submit an application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a Phase I clinical trial.

Spigelman’s co-primary investigators are Catherine Cahill, Julian Whitelegge, and Alex Spokoyny of UCLA and Brian L. Schmidt of the NYU College of Dentistry.

The grant is being administered through the National Institutes of Health’s Pain Therapeutics Development Program as part of the NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative.

By Anita Johnson-Brown

Photo: Nature