Methods for treating inflammation and pain

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an ω-(methanesulfonyl)alkenylnitrile compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The present invention is also directed to a method for treating inflammation, inflammatory-related disorders, or pain, by administering an ω-(methanesulfonyl)alkenylnitrile compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof to a subject in need thereof. Oral and topical administration are preferred.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating inflammation or pain, comprising the steps of:
 administering to a subject suffering from inflammation or pain a compound of 3-(methylsulfonyl)acrylonitrile, in an amount effective to treat inflammation or pain.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method reduces or alleviates the symptoms of localized manifestations of inflammation characterized by acute or chronic swelling, pain, or redness. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said inflammation and/or pain is associated with a skeletal or muscular disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: musculoskeletal sprains, musculoskeletal strains, tendonopathy, peripheral radiculopathy, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, juvenile arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, system lupus erythematosus, costochondritis, tendonitis, bursitis, temporomandibular joint syndrome, and fibromyalgia. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said inflammation and/or pain is associated with joints, ligaments, tendons, bone, muscles, or fascia. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said inflammation and/or pain is associated with an inflammatory skin disease or disorder selected from the group consisting of psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, and rosacea. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said administering is by topical administration. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said administering is by oral administration. 
     
     
         8 . A method for treating pain, comprising:
 administering to the subject suffering from pain an effective amount of morphine and an effective amount of 3-(methylsulfonyl)acrylonitrile.   
     
     
         9 . A method for potentiating the analgesic effects of morphine, comprising:
 administering an effective amount of 3-(methylsulfonyl)acrylonitrile to a subject who is being treated with morphine and is suffering from pain.