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Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists and Antagonists: Implication in CNS Disorders
Clementina Manera1, Chiara Arena, Andrea Chicca
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy. clementina.manera@farm.unipi.it.
Recent Patents on CNS Drug Discovery
|May 20, 2016
Summary
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor ligands, particularly for CB2 receptors, show therapeutic promise for central nervous system disorders. Research focuses on ligands with fewer undesirable side effects for potential clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The endocannabinoid system is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes.
- Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and their ligands are extensively studied for therapeutic potential.
- Research has focused on synthetic ligands due to the beneficial effects of direct receptor activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of synthetic CB1 and CB2 receptor ligands.
- To highlight ligands developed for therapeutic purposes and clinical applications.
- To focus on ligands for central nervous system disorders.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of scientific articles.
- Inclusion of data from public patent and clinical trial databases.
- Analysis of synthetic cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor ligands.
Main Results:
- CB1 receptor ligands have limited utility due to psychotropic effects and cognitive impairment.
- CB2 receptor ligands have shown more productive development.
- Development of peripherally restricted agonists and allosteric modulators aims to mitigate CB1 central effects.
Conclusions:
- CB1 and CB2 receptor ligands present therapeutic opportunities for CNS diseases.
- Synthetic ligands are being developed for targeted therapeutic applications.
- This review summarizes ligands with potential for treating central nervous system disorders.
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