The Role of Cannabinoid Receptors in Craniofacial Pain

Pain in the craniofacial region is one of the more complex and difficult to treat conditions for patients and clinicians. Current treatments are complicated by limited efficacy and considerable side effects. Many of these conditions show greater prevalence in women than men, but there is a lack of basic research utilizing female animals. Recent advances
in cannabinoid pharmacology have renewed hope in cannabis-based treatments for chronic pain. However, whether the endocannabinoid system can be recruited to treat specific craniofacial pain conditions remains unclear. Here we propose to investigate the role of cannabinoid receptors in three animal models of chronic craniofacial pain conditions including neuropathic pain, muscle pain and arthritis of the jaw joint in the female rats. InMed Pharmaceuticals is currently developing cannabis-based therapies for pain and the result of this study will help them to identify new potential markets as well as guide future research directions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brian Cairns

Student:

Hayes Ga-Hei Wong

Partner:

InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Discipline:

Pharmacy / Pharmacology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of British Columbia