A DRUG trial taking place in Lancashire will be among the first in the world to investigate the potential of an innovative drug for a chronic pain condition related to diabetes.

The clinical trial, involving patients from Chorley and South Ribble District Hospital, hopes to find an effective and non-addictive drug to relieve diabetic neuropathy, a painful complication of the condition.

For many patients this condition is unsatisfactorily managed by current drugs.

Professor Solomon Tesfaye, vice-chairman of Diabetes UK’s science and research advisory group, said: “Patients with diabetic neuropathy experience a painful tingling in their nerves, hands and feet, even with well-managed diabetes.

“For many, current treatments are not effective in managing pain and new alternatives will be welcome.”

Pharmaleads, the firm leading the trial, is looking to recruit patients with diabetes from the area to take part in the four-week studys.

“With the help of volunteers we may uncover a more effective treatment to manage the pain that some people with diabetes face,” added Professor Tesfaye.

The trial will investigate a new drug called PL37, which can prolong the body’s own natural painkillers.

Earlier studies with patients have shown the drug effectively targets the actual site of pain and enhances the benefit of other pain medications – and, unlike opiates such as morphine, is non-addictive.

It was well tolerated even at high oral doses, but some subjects reported mild side-effects such as loose stools and headaches.

The trial will explore if the drug is effective in reducing pain intensity.

Chorley and South Ribble District Hospital is one of 11 hospitals in the UK taking part in this trial.

Those with diabetes who feel their current pain treatment is unsatisfactory, and would like to find out more information trial, can ask their GP if they can be referred to the investigative site at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.