In a preclinical study led by McGill University researchers, two drugs targeting “zombie cells” have been shown to treat the underlying cause of chronic low back pain. The work was conducted by McGill’s Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain at the Montreal General Hospital.
Senescent cells, often called zombie cells, build up in spinal discs that have suffered damage or as a natural part of ageing. Instead of dying off like normal cells, these ageing cells remain and cause inflammation, pain and damage to the spine itself. The research team administered two drugs orally to mice: o-Vanillin, a natural compound, and RG-7112, an FDA-approved cancer drug. As part of the study, they were administered together as well as separately. They found the drugs could clear zombie cells from the spine, reduce pain and inflammation, and slow or even reverse damage to spinal discs after eight weeks of treatment. Each of the drugs had a beneficial effect, but the impact was greatest when they were administered together. Learn more