Current treatment for pain makes use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs),, antidepressants, anticonvulsive medications, muscle relaxants and opiods.
Conotoxins from Snail Cones-
Conotoxins are small peptides that interact with the nervous systems of mammals in several ways, most notably by disrupting the activity of ion channels, including sodium, calcium and potassium channels involved in the transmission of pain signals. It is this ability of conotoxins to block pain. Conotoxins so far identified as potential analgesics target different receptors than those targeted by opioids. Ziconotide is one peptide approved by the FDA. Ziconotide however can only be administered via an injection into the spinal cord. Current research is underway to simplify conotoxins to make them more viable (orally administered).