Scientists have discovered a new kind of biological molecule called nanobody which reduces pain and stops inflammation in mice. It is 1,000 times more effective than current drugs being used.
The research team led by Friedrich Koch-Nolte of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany published its findings in the journal Science Translational Medicine. According to Fierce Biotech, the experimental trials in mice showed that nanobodies are able to control inflammation and reduce pain better than the usual antibiotics or anti inflammatory medicines that are being used at present.
Researchers are saying that these molecules will someday be the best medicine against chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and other types of inflammation. Inflammation results when pathogens enter parts of the body causing white bloods cells to proceed to the infected parts, attack the pathogens and repair the damaged tissues.
White blood cells are the primary agents in the blood that set the human immune system in motion. The problem is when the inflammation is prolonged, chronic diseases allergies, type 1 diabetes, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disease start to develop.
It is still cannot be scientifically explained why the human body starts fighting against its own cells as if they were foreign bodies. Scientists, however, try to find away to ease the pain inherent in disease conditions. They are looking for drugs that can block a passageway structure in the human cell called P2X7 where molecules pass to trigger inflammation.
ScienceTranslational Medicine reports that many drugs have been tested by scientists in their attempt to block the P2X7 but most were found to be ineffective. The other drugs that successfully bind with P2X7 exhibit undesirable side effects.
Researchers have finally discovered the nanobody which is a selective binding molecule that does not cause any side effects when they block the P2X7 structure in cells. It is an amazing discovery because in the experiment, it was discovered that It is not only 1,000 times more potent than current drugs in use but it is also biodegradable and safe to use.
