US5147294A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Therapeutic method for reducing chronic pain in a living subject
Assignee: Boston University
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Filing: 1990-10-01
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Granted: 1992-09-15
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Expires: 2010-10-01
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a therapeutic methodology for the treatment of chronic pain from its earliest stages to the most severe and intractable stage in a living subject. The therapeutic methodology is able to provide substantial pain relief over long time duration to patients afflicted with chronic pain; and relief from chronic pain and improvement of all symptoms coincidental with chronic pain begins immediately upon treatment. The therapeutic procedure must be performed by a properly trained medical practitioner or clinician within the confines of a hospital setting. Nevertheless, the therapeutic method provides pain relief for chronic pain sufferers, especially those persons who have been unable to obtain relief from chronic pain despite drastic medication and other pain relief techniques.
Inventors
- 👤 Ivor S. Smith
- 👤 Timothy J. Stafford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:26
CPC Classifications
C; C07; C07K; C07K16/00; C07K16/18; C07K16/22; A; A61; A61K; A61K31/00; A61K31/16; A61K31/165; A61K31/21; A61K31/215; A61K31/235; A61K31/24; A61K31/245; A61K31/33; A61K31/395; A61K31/435; A61K31/44; A61K31/445; A61K31/46; A61K31/47; A61K31/475; A61K38/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A therapeutic method for alleviating sympathetically mediated chronic pain in a living subject, said therapeutic method comprising the steps of: identifying the anatomical area of the living subject from which the chronic pain originates as being mediated by the sympathetic nervous system; initiating at least one sympathetic nerve block to the living subject such that the part of the sympathetic nervous system innervating said chronically painful anatomical area becomes blocked and unable to conduct a nerve impulse for a predeterminable time; and administering an effective amount of at least one antagonist of nerve growth factor to said chronically painful anatomical area of the living subject whereby said administered antagonist nullifies the neuron stimulation effect of such nerve growth factor as is present at said chronically painful anatomical area.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A therapeutic method for alleviating sympathetically mediated chronic pain in a living subject, said therapeutic method comprising the steps of: identifying the anatomical area of the living subject from which the chronic pain originates as being mediated by the sympathetic nervous system; initiating at least one sympathetic nerve block to the living subject such that the part of the sympathetic nervous system innervating said chronically painful anatomical area becomes blocked and unable to conduct a nerve impulse for a predeterminable time; and administering an effective amount of at least one antagonist of nerve growth factor to said chronically painful anatomical area of the living subject whereby said administered antagonist nullifies the neuron stimulation effect of such nerve growth factor as is present at said chronically painful anatomical area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 1 wherein said sympathetic nerve block is initiated in the epidural space of the living subject.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 1 wherein said sympathetic nerve block is initiated in the sympathetic ganglia of the living subject.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 1 wherein said sympathetic nerve block is initiated via the administration of at least one local anesthetic agent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 1 wherein said antagonist of nerve growth factor is a vinca alkaloid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 1 wherein said antagonist of nerve growth factor is colchicine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 1 wherein said antagonist of nerve growth factor is selected from the group consisting of guanethidine, reserpine, and 6-hydroxydopamine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 1 wherein said antagonist of nerve growth factor is at least one antinerve growth factor antibody.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 1 wherein said antagonist of nerve growth factor is administered parenterally.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 9 wherein said parenteral administration is intravenous administration.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The therapeutic method as recited in claim 9 wherein said parenteral administration is by iontophoresis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4622219A
Cited
US4725442A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-09-15 | 1996-03-16 | 1996-09-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-09-15 | 2000-03-16 | 2000-09-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-09-15 | 2004-03-16 | 2004-09-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |