Latest advances in the cannabinoids

The endocannabinoid system has received much attention in recent years as a source of therapeutic targets for a wide range of indications. This review covers advances made in the area of small molecule, non-cannabinoid modulators of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 since July 2006. Under discussion are patents published in this period that disclose new compounds acting at either of the two confirmed cannabinoid receptors as agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists. The bulk of the material covered is in the area of CB1 antagonists and inverse agonists; however, there continues to be strong interest in the area of CB2 agonists, where pain is presently the major indication. New indications for all areas have been claimed as the expression pattern of the receptors continues to be expanded. The discovery of a potential third cannabinoid receptor only increases both the complexity of the field and the potential for providing therapeutic agents.