Effects of Tetrodotoxin on Safety, and Sensory and Respiratory Systems: A Dose‐Escalating Study in Healthy Volunteers

This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of tetrodotoxin's effects on sensory and respiratory function in healthy humans. It shows that 30 μg and 45 μg doses selectively modulate mechanical detection and pressure pain thresholds without affecting olfaction, neurological performance or hypoxic ventilatory response. These findings confirm the short-term safety of tetrodotoxin and advance understanding of its human pharmacodynamics, supporting its continued evaluation as a potential analgesic for chronic or neuropathic pain.