Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for inducing, promoting or otherwise facilitating pain relief. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a compound which either directly or indirectly prevents, attenuates or reverses the development of reduced opioid sensitivity, together with a compound which activates the opioid receptor that is the subject of the reduced opioid sensitivity, in methods and compositions for the prevention or alleviation of pain, especially in neuropathic conditions and even more especially in peripheral neuropathic conditions such as painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of angiotensin II receptor I (AT1 receptor) antagonists for the treatment, prophylaxis, reversal and/or symptomatic relief of a neuropathic condition, especially a peripheral neuropathic condition such as painful diabetic neuropathy, in vertebrate animals and particularly in human subjects. The present invention also discloses the use of AT1 receptor antagonists for preventing, attenuating or reversing the development of reduced opioid sensitivity, and more particularly reduced opioid analgesic sensitivity, in individuals and especially in individuals having, or at risk of developing, a neuropathic condition.