In recent years,
nerve growth factor (
NGF) and the
NGF receptor have become potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of acute and
chronic pain states.
NGF is a
neurotrophin involved in regulating the function of sensory and sympathetic neurons during development. Numerous
pain states have been linked to elevated levels of
NGF and its role in increasing the perception of
pain.
Tanezumab, a recombinant humanized
monoclonal antibody (
IgG), was developed to target
NGF, binding both circulating and local tissue
NGF preventing interaction with the
tropomyosin-related
kinase-A and p75 receptors. Recent clinical studies with
tanezumab in different patient populations to date, including
osteoarthritis,
low back pain, and diabetic
peripheral neuropathy, demonstrate efficacy with few side effects, including transient
arthralgias,
paresthesias,
hypoesthesia, and rarely,
osteonecrosis. Anti-
NGF antibodies are a novel
therapy in
pain management and have shown promise in the treatment of certain
pain conditions, which at present are poorly treated.
Tanezumab offers an exciting new class of
analgesics that has the potential to change the treatment of
pain.