Methods of treating non-inflammatory gastrointestinal tract disorders using Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulators

1. A method for treating a symptom of a non-inflammatory GI tract disorder, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulator selected from the group consisting of:

a. ω-conotoxin GVIA; and

b. ω-conotoxin MVIIA (Ziconotide).

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulator is contained within a pharmaceutical formulation.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulator is administered on an as-needed basis.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein said Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulator is administered prior to commencement of an activity wherein suppression of the symptoms of a non-inflammatory GI tract disorder would be desirable.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein said Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulator is administered from about 0 to about 5 hours prior to commencement of an activity wherein suppression of said symptoms would be desirable.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein said Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulator is administered from about 0 to about 3 hours prior to commencement of an activity wherein suppression of said symptoms would be desirable.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulator is administered orally, transmucosally, sublingually, buccally, intranasally, transurethrally, rectally, by inhalation, topically, transdermally, parenterally, or intrathecally.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the symptom of a non-inflammatory GI tract disorder is associated with a functional GI tract disorder selected from the group consisting of functional dysphagia, non-ulcer dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, slow-transit constipation, and an evacuation disorder.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the symptom of a non-inflammatory GI tract disorder is associated with a motor disorder of the esophagus selected from the group consisting of achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the symptom of a non-inflammatory GI tract disorder is associated with a non-inflammatory structural GI disorder selected from the group consisting of hiatal hernia, stricture, esophageal web, Schatzki's ring, esophageal diverticulum, and esophageal scleroderma.

11. The method of claim 2 , wherein the pharmaceutical formulation further comprises an additional active agent.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the additional active agent is selected from the group consisting of: an antiulcerative, an antidiarrheal, a peristaltic colon stimulant, an antispasmodic, an antinauseant/prokinetic, an anti-inflammatory bowel drug, a tricyclic antidepressant, a ketolaric, duloxetine, venlafaxine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a spasmolytic, an anticholinergic, gabapentin, pregabalin, a substituted aminomethyl-phenyl-cyclohexane derivative, a 5-HT 3 antagonist, a 5-HT 4 antagonist, a β3 adrenergic agonist, a neurokinin receptor antagonist, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, and a nitric oxide donor.

13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulator in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to treat a symptom of a non-inflammatory GI tract disorder, wherein said Cav2.2 subunit calcium channel modulator is selected from the group consisting of:

a. ω-conotoxin GVIA; and

b. ω-conotoxin MVIIA (Ziconotide),

wherein the pharmaceutical formulation further comprises an additional active agent.

14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13 , wherein the additional active agent is selected from the group consisting of: an antiulcerative, an antidiarrheal, a peristaltic colon stimulant, an antispasmodic, an antinauseant/prokinetic, an anti-inflammatory bowel drug, a tricyclic antidepressant, a ketolaric, duloxetine, venlafaxine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a spasmolytic, an anticholinergic, gabapentin, pregabalin, a substituted aminomethyl-phenyl-cyclohexane derivative, a 5-HT 3 antagonist, a 5-HT 4 antagonist, a β3 adrenergic agonist, a neurokinin receptor antagonist, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, and a nitric oxide donor.