Small Fiber Neuropathy
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a complex and debilitating condition that affects the small nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system. At our company, we are at the forefront of drug and therapy development services for small fiber neuropathy.
Overview of Small Fiber Neuropathy
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a neurological condition characterized by the primary involvement of the small unmyelinated and thinly myelinated nerve fibers within the peripheral nervous system. These delicate fibers play a crucial role in transmitting sensory information, such as pain and temperature, as well as regulating autonomic functions. SFN can present with a range of symptoms, including but not limited to burning pain, numbness, tingling, and heightened sensitivity to touch. The underlying causes of SFN can vary, with genetic mutations, autoimmune disorders, metabolic abnormalities, infections, and exposure to toxins among the factors implicated in its development.
Fig.1 Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) in idiopathic (iSFN) and secondary SFN (sSFN). (Pál E., et al., 2020)
Therapy Discovery and Development for Small Fiber Neuropathy
In cases where SFN is associated with immune-related disorders, immunomodulatory therapeutics can be effective in managing the condition. Immunomodulatory drugs, such as corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), can modulate the immune response and potentially halt the progression of SFN. SFN associated with sodium channel disorders can be targeted through the selective blockage of peripheral sodium channels. Compounds such as mexiletine and lacosamide, which act on specific sodium channel subtypes, have shown promising results in preclinical studies and may provide new avenues for SFN therapy.
Developing diagnostics and therapies that target the underlying causes and symptoms of SFN is a complex and multidisciplinary process. At our company, we offer a range of small fiber neuropathy drug and therapy development services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. You can learn more about our services by clicking on the links below.
Our Services
In addition to therapeutic development services, our company specializes in preclinical research for small fiber neuropathy, utilizing animal models and in vitro models to investigate the efficacy of potential drug candidates. Our preclinical research services provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of drug candidates, aiding in the selection and optimization of lead compounds for further development.
RTX Neuropathy Models
Existing animal models often affect both large- and small-diameter sensory fibers, making it challenging to accurately assess the effects of injured small-diameter sensory fibers. Our team has carefully designed a protocol to address this issue by inducing small fiber neuropathy using resiniferatoxin (RTX).
We provide a robust cell-based model development service for SFN research. We utilize primary sensory neurons or neuronal cell lines, such as dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells, to establish in vitro models that closely mimic the physiological conditions of SFN.
Our organoid model development service focuses on generating organoids derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or adult tissue-derived stem cells. These organoids can be derived from neural crest cells, which give rise to the sensory neurons affected in SFN.
Our team of experienced experts and state-of-the-art facilities enable us to provide comprehensive solutions for developing effective drugs and therapies and conducting preclinical research to advance the field. In addition to the extensive array of services and models mentioned earlier, our proficiency extends to tailoring personalized solutions and creating disease models that precisely cater to your specific requirements. We take pride in our ability to adapt and customize our offerings to meet your unique needs. If our comprehensive range of services has captured your attention, we sincerely welcome you to reach out to us without any hesitation.
References
- Pál Endre, et al. "Small fiber neuropathy: clinicopathological correlations." Behavioural neurology 2020.1 (2020): 8796519.
- Basantsova Natalia Y., et al. "Small-fiber neuropathy definition, diagnosis, and treatment." Neurological Sciences 40.7 (2019): 1343-1350.