TRPM8 Modulator Compounds for Cold Sensation Without Irritation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modulators of the TRPM8 receptor face issues with potency, duration of action, skin/mucosal irritation, odor, taste, solubility, and volatility, limiting their effectiveness in various applications including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and insect repellents.
Innovation Solution
Development of new compounds that modulate the TRPM8 receptor, acting as agonists or antagonists, which can induce a feeling of cold and are suitable for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and as insect repellents, with improved properties such as enhanced potency and reduced irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If menthol or its derivatives are used to activate TRPM8, then a sensation of cold is produced, but skin and mucous membrane irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by developing novel chemical compounds with modified molecular structures that alter the interaction profile with TRPM8 receptors. The new compounds (e.g., compounds of formula I with specific R1-R6 substituents) are designed to change binding affinity and selectivity parameters, achieving cold sensation activation while reducing off-target effects that cause irritation. This is evidenced by the systematic variation of substituent groups in the claimed compounds to optimize the balance between efficacy and safety.
2Temperature
If higher concentrations of menthol are used to enhance TRPM8 activation, then the sensation of cold is intensified, but anesthetic effects and irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing compounds with specific functional groups at defined positions (R1-R6 substituents) that create localized interaction zones with the TRPM8 receptor. This allows selective activation of cold-sensing neurons while avoiding activation of other ion channels that mediate anesthetic effects. The structured approach of modifying specific positions in the molecular framework enables precise control over the quality and intensity of sensory activation without proportionally increasing harmful effects.
3Temperature
If existing TRPM8 modulators are used, then cold sensation is achieved, but issues with potency, duration of action, solubility, and volatility limit effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating molecules that combine multiple functional elements within a single molecular structure. The compounds of formula I integrate a core heterocyclic or carbocyclic framework with various substituent groups (R1-R6) that collectively provide enhanced potency, improved solubility characteristics, and optimized volatility profiles. This molecular composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of multiple pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that cannot be achieved with simpler structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The new compounds provide effective modulation of the TRPM8 receptor, offering improved potency and reduced side effects, making them suitable for diverse applications including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and insect repellents.
Implementation Method 1
forms pores in the cell membrane (four units assemble into a tetramer) that selectively allow Ca2+ ions to pass through
Implementation Method 2
Low temperatures (preferably 10–25°C) stimulate this receptor, leading to signal transduction that is interpreted by the nervous system as a sensation of cold
Implementation Method 3
The application of menthol activates TRPM8, causing an influx of Ca2+ into cold-sensitive neurons
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to novel modulators of the cold menthol receptor TRPM8, methods for modulating the TRPM8 receptor using these modulators; the use of the modulators to induce cold sensation; as well as the objects and means produced using these modulators.