Crisugabalin, a ligand for the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, exhibits no obvious abuse potential in rodents

Crisugabalin, a novel third-generation ligand targeting the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, has been approved in China for the treatment of pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Existing research suggests that ligands for the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels may carry a risk of abuse. To evaluate the abuse potential of crisugabalin, five well-recognized animal models were utilized in these preclinical studies. Firstly, an intravenous self-administration paradigm was implemented in rats that were self-administering propofol to assess the reinforcing effects of crisugabalin. Secondly, a rat drug discrimination study was employed to determine the pharmacological similarity between crisugabalin and the training drug midazolam. Then, a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in rats was utilized to evaluate the rewarding properties of crisugabalin. After that, a spontaneous withdrawal study was conducted in rats chronically treated with crisugabalin to examine the liability of developing physical dependence. Finally, a mouse pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion model was used following chronic exposure to crisugabalin to assess its potential for physical dependence. The results indicated that crisugabalin showed no positive reinforcing effects and did not display midazolam-like discriminative stimulus effects. Moreover, crisugabalin did not induce significant CPP in rats and there was no risk of physical dependence in the pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion model. In the rat spontaneous withdrawal study, crisugabalin demonstrated a very low level of physical dependence. These findings suggest that crisugabalin has minimal to no potential for abuse, thereby establishing itself as a safer option relative to pregabalin and mirogabalin.