CB2: Therapeutic target-in-waiting

CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonists hold promise as a new class of therapeutics for indications as diverse as pain, neuroinflammation, immune suppression and osteoporosis. These potential indications are supported by strong preliminary data from multiple investigators using diverse preclinical models. However, clinical trials for CB2 agonists, when they have been reported have generally been disappointing. This review considers possible explanations for the mismatch between promising preclinical data and disappointing clinical data. We propose that a more careful consideration of CB2 receptor pharmacology may help move CB2 agonists from promising to effective therapeutics. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.