From the FDA Drug Label
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PRIALT (ziconotide) solution, intrathecal infusion is indicated for the management of severe chronic pain in adult patients for whom intrathecal therapy is warranted, and who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatment, such as systemic analgesics, adjunctive therapies, or intrathecal morphine.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES The efficacy of intrathecal PRIALT in the management of severe chronic pain was studied in three double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies in a total of 457 patients (268 PRIALT, 189 placebo) using two different titration schedules.
The peptide ziconotide (IT) is used for pain management, specifically for the management of severe chronic pain in adult patients who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatments.
- The primary efficacy variable was the mean percent change in the VASPI score from baseline to day 21.
- In the intent-to-treat efficacy analysis, there was a statistically significant difference between groups in the mean percent change in VASPI score from baseline with the PRIALT group having a 12% mean improvement at Week 3 compared to a 5% mean improvement in the placebo group 1.
- Ziconotide (IT) is indicated for the management of severe chronic pain in adult patients for whom intrathecal therapy is warranted, and who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatment 1.
From the Research
Peptide-based pain management, specifically the use of analgesic peptide H-20, offers a promising alternative to traditional pain medications, with potential for effective and safe treatment of chronic pain. For chronic pain management, consider peptide H-20, which has shown significant therapeutic potential in recent studies 2. This peptide works by binding to PD-1, evoking Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) phosphorylation, and diminishing nociceptive signals in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons.
Some key points to consider when using peptide H-20 for pain management include:
- The potential for effective and longer-lasting analgesia in multiple preclinical pain models
- A reduction in or absence of tolerance, abuse liability, constipation, itch, and motor coordination impairment
- The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider experienced in peptide therapy to tailor treatment to specific conditions and medical history
- Proper storage, sterile injection techniques, and quality sourcing are essential for safety and efficacy
In contrast to other peptide options, such as pentadecapeptide BPC-157, Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500), Semax, and Selank, H-20 has shown promise in recent studies as a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain 2. While these other peptides may have benefits for tissue healing, inflammation, and anxiety reduction, H-20's mechanism of action and potential for reduced side effects make it a notable option for peptide-based pain management.
It is also important to note that nonpharmacologic strategies, such as acupuncture, massage, and mind-body therapies, can be effective in comprehensive pain care and may be used in conjunction with peptide-based treatments 3. However, when considering peptide-based pain management, H-20 is a promising candidate due to its potential for safe and effective treatment of chronic pain, as demonstrated in recent studies 2.