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Abstract
Flupirtine was developed long before K^sub V^7 (KCNQ) channels were known. However, it was clear from the beginning that flupirtine is neither an opioid nor a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic. Its unique muscle relaxing activity was discovered by serendipity. In the meantime, broad and intensive research has resulted in a partial clarification of its mode of action. Flupirtine is the first therapeutically used K^sub V^7 channel activator with additional GABA^sub A^ergic mechanisms and thus the first representative of a novel class of analgesics. The presently accepted main mode of its action, potassium K^sub V^7 (KCNQ) channel activation, opens a series of further therapeutic possibilities. One of them has now been realized: its back-up compound, the bioisostere retigabine, has been approved for the treatment of epilepsy.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]