Scientists to develop anti-smoking drugs that avoid side effects
EU Neurocypres project to focus on ion channels
European Union (EU) scientists are developing anti-smoking medicines that avoid side effects such as sleeplessness and muscle problems.
The EU’s Neurocypres project focuses on brain pathways called ion channels, which are opened and shut by certain chemicals. These can promote nicotine addiction, as well as sleep and muscle difficulties. By understanding how to manipulate them, scientists hope to create smart drugs that target one channel without negatively affecting others.