Life Science Encyclopedia

Ajulemic acid (IP-751) is a synthetic cannabinoid derivative of the non-psychoactive THC metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC which shows useful analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects without causing a subjective "high".^[1] It is being developed for the treatment of neuropathic pain and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.^[2] It does not however share the anti-emetic effects of other cannabinoids but may be useful for treating pain and chronic inflammatory conditions where nausea is not present.^[3] Side effects include dry mouth, tiredness and dizziness. The mechanism of action has not yet been established, but ajulemic acid may activate the CB1 receptor in a different way to psychoactive cannabinoids. ^[4]

References

1. ^ Burstein SH, Karst M, Schneider U, Zurier RB (2004). "Ajulemic acid: A novel cannabinoid produces analgesia without a "high"". Life Sci. 75 (12): 1513–22. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2004.04.010. PMID 15240185.
2. ^ Mitchell VA, Aslan S, Safaei R, Vaughan CW (2005). "Effect of the cannabinoid ajulemic acid on rat models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain". Neurosci. Lett. 382 (3): 231–5. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2005.03.019. PMID 15925096.
3. ^ Burstein S (2005). "Ajulemic acid (IP-751): synthesis, proof of principle, toxicity studies, and clinical trials". AAPS J 7 (1): E143–8. doi:10.1208/aapsj070115. PMID 16146336.
4. ^ Vann RE, Cook CD, Martin BR, Wiley JL (2007). "Cannabimimetic properties of ajulemic acid". J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 320 (2): 678–86. doi:10.1124/jpet.106.111625. PMID 17105826.