The newest analgesics are far more specific than aspirin or narcotics, taking aim only at certain pain-causing cellular mechanisms.

ACTIQ Anesta
A crystallized narcotic on a stick, approved in November, that offers quick relief for breakthrough cancer pain.

CELEBREX, VIOXX Monsanto, Merck
Arthritis treatments just reaching the market that block pain and inflammation without the stomach-damaging effects of aspirin-like drugs.

NEURONTIN Warner-Lambert
An epilepsy drug in clinical trials for chronic neuropathic pain. It targets a neurotransmitter that controls both pain and nerve excitability.

ZICONOTIDE Neurex
Based on the venom of a sea snail, it blocks pain signals from entering the spinal cord. Neurex will file for FDA approval this year.

MORPHIDEX Algos Pharmaceutical
By blocking secondary pain sensors, the drug allows morphine to be twice as effective without increasing side effects. Algos filed for FDA approval in August.

ABT-594 Abbott Laboratories
Based on a toxin in the skin of a rain-forest frog, it prevents the central nervous system from processing pain signals. In early human trials.