The anti-hyperalgesic activity of retigabine is mediated by KCNQ potassium channel activation

Retigabine (N-(2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)-phenyl) carbamic acid ethyl ester) has a broad anticonvulsant spectrum and is currently in clinical development for epilepsy. The compound has an opening effect on neuronal KCNQ channels. At higher concentrations an augmentation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) induced currents as well as a weak blocking effect on sodium and calcium currents were observed. The goal of this study was to characterise the activity of retigabine in models of acute and neuropathic pain and to investigate if the potassium channel opening effect of retigabine contributes to its activity.