Arena Pharmaceuticals’ Selective CB2 Receptor Activator Drug Candidate Fights Pain in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

To treat abdominal pain, people with irritable bowel syndrome might take over-the-counter medication or prescription opioid for quick relief. But the high abuse potential of opioids and current epidemic in the US is triggering a search for non-opioid pain therapy alternatives.

Scientists at Arena Pharmaceuticals are hoping to address abdominal pain through a novel mechanism by targeting cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) receptors.