Date Approved

1-25-2024

Embargo Period

1-25-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) Pharmaceutical Sciences

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Thomas M. Keck, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Amanda Fakira, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

James Grinias, Ph.D.

Keywords

Non-opioid pain-relieving medicine

Subject(s)

Pain--Treatment

Disciplines

Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Abstract

Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensation that is mostly caused by a stimulus from our surroundings. This sensation has the potential to become a significant concern, disrupting daily activities, and diminishing overall quality of life. However, it could also hold significant importance as it serves as a protective mechanism. Pain acts as an alarm system for the human body, alerting it to potentially harmful situations where tissues may be at risk of damage1. Despite the considerable advancements in pain treatment and the extensive knowledge scientists possess regarding the pathophysiology and pathways of pain, numerous medications aimed at alleviating pain often carry significant side effects that could limit their use. This thesis aims to elucidate the diverse pain pathways and explore several potential therapeutic targets for pain management. The main goal of these investigations is to find therapeutic targets to relieve pain. This involves developing non-opioid pain-relieving medications or finding new candidate medications that can be co-administered with opioid analgesics to selectively enhance analgesia. This approach will lead to reducing overall opioid exposure and the risks of opioid-induced side effects.

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