Recent advances in the cannabinoids

Abstract

This review highlights advances made in cannabinoid chemistry over the time period August 2002 – June 2004. Particular emphasis is placed on new ligands for the CB₁ and CB₂ receptors. CB₁ receptor antagonists have been a prominent area of research for many pharmaceutical companies. Sanofi’s CB₁ receptor antagonist rimonabant has now generated clinical data demonstrating its efficacy for both obesity and smoking cessation in human subjects. Recent data showing the effects of CB₂ agonists for pain in preclinical animal models has been accompanied by the reports from many laboratories disclosing selective CB₂ agonists for the treatment of pain and other indications. The further progression of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists into clinical trials will serve to determine the effectiveness of such compounds as therapeutics in the treatment of human diseases and disorders.

• anandamide transporter inhibitor
• cannabinoid
• CB1
• CB2
• CB1 agonist
• CB1 antagonist
• CB2 agonist
• CB2 antagonist
• fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)
• FAAH inhibitor