Treating pain by blocking the 'chili-pepper receptor'

As anyone who has bitten into a chili pepper knows, its burning spiciness -- though irresistible to some -- is intolerable to others. Scientists exploring the chili pepper's effect are using their findings to develop a new drug candidate for many kinds of pain, which can be caused by inflammation or other problems. They reported their progress on the compound, which is being tested in clinical trials, in ACS' Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.