NGF is involved in pain signalling. The exact role of NGF signalling in chronic pain is not fully understood, and multiple mechanisms are thought to be involved. NGF is released by immune cells in response to peripheral injury, and is thought to promote neural sensitisation, and neural sprouting. Elevated NGF levels are seen in those with chronic pain conditions (including interstitial cystitis, prostatitis, arthritis, pancreatitis, chronic headaches, cancer pain, and diabetic neuropathy), and injection of NGF causes allodynia and hyperalgesia. NGF inhibitors may take the form of monoclonal antibodies that bind to NGF, or small molecule inhibitors of NGF receptors. NGF inhibition may be achieved by sequestering free NGF molecules, blocking receptor binding, or inhibiting receptor function. Anti-NGF antibodies have demonstrated the greatest promise as potential medications.
Nerve growth factor inhibitor
Growth factor receptor inhibitor
Orexin antagonist
Endopeptidase inhibitor
Neurosteroidogenesis inhibitor
Reuptake inhibitor
Serotonin releasing agent
Dopamine antagonist