Palmitoylethanolamide: Research Synergy between Academia and Industry, Based on Insights and Work of Nobel Laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini

The development story of the autacoid palmitoylethanolamide is a classical example of an optimal cooperation between academia and pharmaceutical industry. Based on the work of the Nobel laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini a small Italian pharmaceutical company, LifeGroup Spa, could start in the 90s the research and development phase of this remarkable lipid signaling molecule. Their joint efforts led to new insights in mast-cell related disorders, and a series of patents. This example supports the case that we need to rethink our stringent policies on ‘conflict of interest'. It is due to the mutual interest in innovative biological principles of autacoid medicine that the work of Levi-Montalcini and LifeGroup Spa led to a new treatment paradigm for chronic pain and inflammations.