Scientists uncover how to block pain without side effects

NYU scientists have discovered how to block pain without interfering with beneficial inflammation by identifying the specific receptor responsible for each process. While common painkillers like NSAIDs reduce both pain and inflammation by targeting prostaglandins, researchers found that selectively blocking just the EP2 receptor in nerve cells eliminated pain responses in mice while allowing protective inflammation to continue. This breakthrough could lead to safer pain medications that avoid the serious side effects of long-term NSAID use, including stomach, heart, kidney, and liver damage. The team is now conducting pre-clinical studies to develop targeted drugs for conditions like arthritis.