Method for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

Abstract

The present invention concerns the novel use of compounds of the Formula I: for treating allodynia as major and unique pain symptom independent of the nature of an underlying disease, but that is often related to neuropathic pain or other different types of chronic or phantom pain.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method for treating pain in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 Ar is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halo group; 
 Q is lower alkoxy containing 1-3 carbon atoms; and 
 Q 1  is methyl; 
 
       or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein the pain comprises diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the pain comprises allodynia. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the compound or salt thereof is administered by an oral or parenteral route of administration. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the compound is administered orally in a pharmaceutical composition that further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in a form of a tablet. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the compound or salt thereof is in the R configuration. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the compound or salt thereof is substantially enantiopure. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the compound of formula (I) is (R)-2-acetamido-N-benzyl-3-methoxypropionamide. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the compound is orally administered in a daily dose of about 1 mg to about 600 mg. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the compound is orally administered in a daily dose of about 1 mg to about 300 mg. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the compound is orally administered in a daily dose of about 300 mg to about 600 mg.