ARN19702

ARN19702 is a potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), an enzyme primarily responsible for the degradation of the endogenous anti-inflammatory and analgesic lipid mediator palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Developed through research collaborations involving the Italian Institute of Technology and the University of California, Irvine, ARN19702 is designed to treat chronic and acute pain by elevating endogenous PEA levels, which in turn activates PPAR-alpha receptors to exert neuroprotective and anti-hyperalgesic effects. Preclinical studies in sickle cell disease (SCD) models have demonstrated that ARN19702 can significantly reduce mechanical and cold hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner without the development of tolerance, suggesting its potential as a translational therapy for neuropathic and inflammatory pain associated with vaso-occlusive crises.