In A Groundbreaking New Study, Researchers Discovered A Novel Treatment For Chronic Pain That Could Replace Opioids, Which Have A High Addiction Risk
A groundbreaking study has unveiled a new treatment for chronic pain that steers clear of opioids, which are known for their high addiction risk.
The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on the United States, with over 645,000 fatalities due to overdoses from 1999 to 2021, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows.
But, through a collaborative study conducted by researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Miami, the team discovered a molecule known as FEM-1689 that shows strong potential in addressing neuropathic pain, a widespread issue impacting millions around the world.
Neuropathic pain is a chronic issue that arises from damage to nerves in different parts of the body. It can cause symptoms such as sensations of electric shocks, burning, stabbing, or tingling.
It’s often linked to conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and the effects of chemotherapy or physical injuries, making it particularly difficult to manage. Standard pain relief methods often prove inadequate and come with the risk of severe side effects, such as the potential for addiction.
However, this latest research showed FEM-1689’s success in lessening hypersensitivity during experiments with mice. This compound operates by focusing on a particular protein associated with neuropathic pain.
“We found it to be an effective painkiller, and the effects were rather long-lived,” said Stephen Martin, the study’s corresponding author.
“When we tested it on different models, diabetic neuropathy, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, for example, we found this compound has an incredibly beneficial effect.”
FEM-1689 also avoids engaging with opioid receptors, which means a significant decrease in addiction risk that’s already tied to numerous existing pain treatments. Additionally, it contributes to the management of the integrated stress response or ISR.
Rido – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
The integrated stress response (ISR) is a sophisticated system of cell signals that aids the body’s reaction to injuries and illnesses. Properly managing ISR is essential for achieving equilibrium and fostering recovery. Conversely, its malfunction can contribute to a range of conditions, such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, and cancer.
So, according to Martin, it’s the research team’s goal to develop this compound into a medication that can address chronic pain without the risks associated with opioids.
“Neuropathic pain is often a debilitating condition that can affect people their entire lives, and we need a treatment that is well tolerated and effective,” he explained.
A company known as NuvoNuro Inc., which was established by Martin along with fellow researchers from the study, has been awarded a grant by the National Institutes of Health HEAL Initiative– which aims to discover scientific answers to the opioid crisis in America. This financial support is vital for advancing the clinical development of a medication derived from FEM-1689.
“This work is the culmination of a wonderful five-year collaboration with our colleagues at UT Austin and is a great example of academic drug discovery pushing the field of non-opioid pain therapeutics forward,” concluded Theodore Price, the study’s corresponding author.
“Our funding from NIH on this continuing project through our spin-out company, NuvoNuro, has the potential to take us toward clinical development in the next few years, which is extraordinarily exciting.”
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, visit the link here.
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