Modified Botox Shows Promise in Relieving Chronic Nerve Pain, Say Scientists

Researchers have made an exciting discovery that could bring relief to people suffering from chronic nerve pain. They have found a modified version of Botox the popular cosmetic procedure which might provide long-term pain relief for patients with nerve injuries.

Did you know that around seven out of every 100 people in the UK experience chronic nerve pain? Unfortunately current treatments have limitations due to dangerous side effects. But now scientists believe they have found a solution by modifying a protein used in Botox.

Botox is a muscle relaxant that helps smooth out lines and wrinkles by injecting small doses into the face. Many celebrities like Kim Kardashian Nicole Kidman and Gwyneth Paltrow have admitted to using Botox. However it's important to note that their experiences with Botox haven't always been positive.

The protein used in Botox known as Botulinum toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although effective Botulinum toxin can be dangerous when used in large quantities as it can temporarily paralyze muscles.

To address this issue researchers from the UK and the US have engineered a safer form of Botox that provides pain relief without inducing paralysis or causing adverse side effects. This modified Botox has the potential to help those struggling with chronic pain.

Dr. Maria Maiaru from the University of Reading one of the researchers involved in the study explained "These new Botulinum molecules have shown effectiveness in reducing pain-like behavior in models of human pain." The research while not yet tested on humans has been published in the journal Life Science Alliance.

If successful this breakthrough could improve the quality of life for millions of people living with chronic pain. The current pain relief options for nerve injuries include morphine and fentanyl but they can only be used for short-term relief due to the risk of addiction abuse and overdose associated with long-term use.

However the modified Botox has shown promising results in rat studies. It was found to be non-toxic and did not cause paralysis. In fact the treatment could potentially remain effective for up to five months.

Professor Bazbek Davletov from the University of Sheffield's School of Biosciences who led the study said "A single injection of this new nonparalytic blocker at the site of pain could potentially relieve pain for many months in humans." The next step will be testing this technique on humans to determine its efficacy in relieving chronic pain.

The research funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) involved collaboration between scientists from the Universities of Sheffield and Reading University College London (UCL) and a US-based biopharmaceutical start-up company called Neuresta. Neuresta is now working on customizing nerve blockers for different neurological conditions using this innovative technique.

In conclusion the discovery of a modified form of Botox brings newfound hope for those suffering from chronic nerve pain. If successful this pioneering treatment could offer long-term relief without dangerous side effects. With ongoing research and testing scientists aim to enhance the quality of life for millions of individuals living with chronic pain.