AND-254 acts through a multi-modal analgesic & anti-inflammatory mechanism of action targeting cannabinoid receptors and other molecular targets located at nociceptive (pain sensing) nerve terminals and immune cells directly at the surgical site. These cannabinoid receptors that are found within the surgical site comprise the peripheral Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is located in the skin and other peripheral tissues of the body (“peripheral” refers to the part of the ECS that is located outside of the brain and spinal cord).
AND-254 also utilizes a novel transdermal delivery system to facilitate targeted cannabinoid delivery to the site of action, maximizing efficacy while strictly limiting the possibility of side effects.
Immediately after a mastectomy surgery, pain and discomfort are normally experienced due to acute inflammatory processes and nociceptive sensation at the surgical site. This is a normal part of the tissue repair and healing process and generally referred to as the acute post-surgical pain phase. Patients are commonly prescribed opiate-based medications to help manage acute post-surgical pain.
However, part of the mastectomy procedure involves severing nerves, which is required to remove the breast tissue. Depending on the nature of the patient’s breast cancer, axillary breast tissue in the arm pit area may also be removed. Both the breast and axilla (arm pit) are highly innervated regions of the body and are particularly susceptible to the development of neuropathic pain after mastectomy.
Most patients diagnosed with chronic post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMP) by their doctor are experiencing chronic neuropathic pain resulting from their mastectomy. Neuropathic pain is typically experienced as sharp burning or shooting pain. It is common for the intensity to be ranked as 6 out of 10 or greater on a 10-point pain rating scale, and is oftentimes worse than the acute pain experienced immediately after surgery. Neuropathic pain is the most difficult form of pain to treat, and commonly requires anticonvulsants, anti-depressants, and/or opioid drugs. Chronic PMP often continues for years after surgery. Many patients are not informed about the risks of developing neuropathic pain and PMP when discussing mastectomy surgery with their doctor.
AND-254 is currently in pre-clinical development. To receive news and announcements on the advancement of AND-254, subscribe to our mailing list.
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