EQiTX pain-soothing molecules show promise

Research by a University of Queensland research team suggests Melbourne-based biotech ZingoTX may have a lead compound for neuropathic pain in its synthetic derivatives of the mouth-burning molecules found in ginger and chillies.

ZingoTX, a subsidiary of EQiTX (ASX:EQX), has been studying the therapeutic potential of molecules derived from ginger.

The ZingoTX molecules are variants on a molecular theme shared by the fiery capsaicin molecule in hot chillies, and related molecules that impart ginger's hot taste.

In a preliminary study, Professor Maree Smith's team at UQ's School of Pharmacy found that a single dose of selected gingerol compounds reduces neuropathic pain in rats in a dose-dependent manner.

EQiTX's lead compounds have now been assessed across a range of pharmacological receptors and the results indicate that they may have reduced receptor-based side effects.

The vanillin receptor remains almost permanently activated in spontaneous or neuropathic pain. The synthetic gingerol molecules act as desensitising agonists to "cool" neuropathic pain by out-competing the native ligand to occupy the receptor.

Chambers said that gingerol compounds may also inhibit the cyclooxygenase receptors, the therapeutic targets for anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex.

Many pharmaceutical companies are searching for molecules that will quell chronic neuropathic pain after nerve trauma or inflammation. Amputees often experience neuropathic pain due to spurious signals from missing limbs.

Chambers said a synthetic drug from the gingerol group may have the advantage of being a small molecule with the potential to produce orally available compounds.