Last year we reported on a pilot and feasibility study for the use of Mycophenolate, an immunosuppressant drug, as a possible treatment for chronic pain.
The aim of the study at the Walton Centre Trial Unit in Liverpool, under the lead of Dr Andreas Goebel, Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool, was to explore its effectiveness as a treatment for pain in longstanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
The study – Mycophenolate Treatment for Longstanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (MYPS I) – follows the discovery of the now well established link between the body’s immune system and CRPS. [Please note that the web link to the study is no longer working.]
The objectives of the study included providing initial data on pain relief and changes in the objective signs of CRPS, as well as looking at patient safety and tolerability issues when taking the drug. Beyond that the researchers are keen to explore the effect of the drug on a patient’s function and quality of life.
To be eligible for the trial, patients had to satisfy a number of criteria, including having been suffering CRPS for more than 2 years and satisfying a minimum average pain intensity rating.
It is encouraging to hear that this small study has proved successful and funding for a larger trial is now being sought. We shall report any developments in due course.
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