tetrodotoxin

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent, non-opioid analgesic and a highly selective blocker of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav). Originally extracted from the puffer fish (fugu), TTX works by binding to the extracellular pore of sodium channels, thereby inhibiting the propagation of action potentials in excitable membranes, including those in the peripheral and central nervous systems. This mechanism effectively blocks the ectopic discharges associated with chronic and neuropathic pain. Wex Pharmaceuticals (now part of Dogwood Therapeutics) has been developing a purified form of TTX, branded as Halneuron, for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer-related pain and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP). It has also been investigated for its potential in mitigating acute heroin withdrawal symptoms.

Brand names

Halneuron

Other names

fugu toxin