Researchers at New York University (NYU) Pain Research Center have identified a new target that can block pain without interfering with inflammation. Published today in Nature Communications , preliminary results in mice show promise for the development of a new generation of painkillers with fewer side effects.

“Inflammation and pain are usually thought to go hand in hand. But being able to block pain and allow inflammation—which promotes healing—to proceed is an important step in improved treatment of pain,” said Nigel W. Bunnett, PhD, professor and chair of the department of molecular pathobiology at NYU College of Dentistry and a faculty member in the NYU Pain Research Center.

The most commonly used type of painkillers are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a cla

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