Study: Reformulated Imatinib Eliminates Morphine Tolerance

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have eliminated morphine tolerance in rats by reformulating the common cancer drug imatinib, according to a news release.

Removing morphine tolerance could eliminate the need for increasing doses of painkillers to treat chronic pain. In some cases, patients develop a tolerance so high, the medication stops working altogether. In the study, imatinib not only prevented morphine tolerance but reversed tolerance in rats that received high morphine doses continuously for several days.

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