Woman with FAAH mutations may hold key to pain and anxiety relief

Jo Cameron, 66, from the UK, has insensitivity to pain and anxiety due to mutations in FAAH and FAAH-OUT genes that raise anandamide levels. UCL scientists used CRISPRi to reduce FAAH expression by 50% in cell lines and are preparing clinical trials for chronic pain gene therapy.

• FAAH and FAAH-OUT mutations raise anandamide, eliminating pain and anxiety
• CRISPRi reduced FAAH expression by 50% in human cell lines
• Therapy aims to dull chronic pain while preserving acute sensitivity
• Clinical trials are being prepared, but mass access remains years away