Pharmaceutical removal of neuronal extensions from a degenerating disc

US8916611B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Inventors

• Josee Roy · Memphis, US
• Susan J. Drapeau · Cordova, US
• Jeffrey C. Marx · Germantown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 28, 2006
• Grant date: Dec 23, 2014
• Expiry date: May 21, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Y304/24069
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.