With peroxynitrite identified, researchers now will aim to target and destroy the offending molecule.

"Dr. Salvemini has pioneered some of the landmark preliminary pharmacological research and we're now working together to create a medicine to combat the chronic pain by targeting peroxynitrite," said Neumann.

"When you have inflammation in the body, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are produced, which can lead to formation of the neurotoxic molecule, peroxynitrite," said Neumann. "Normally, these reactive molecules are kept under tight wraps by the body's own antioxidant defense systems.

"But, if these systems become compromised, as in a state of chronic pain, it actually can make the problem worse. We'll be looking at creating a synthetic enzyme that will go in and destroy the peroxynitrite."

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