Innovative Non-Opioid Strategies for Pain Management Developed by Researchers

Chronic pain remains one of the most widespread and costly health challenges in the United States, impacting approximately 20% of adults and racking up an estimated $600 billion annually in healthcare costs, lost productivity, and disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response to the risks associated with opioid use, a team of researchers led by Stanton McHardy from the University of Texas at San Antonio is pioneering the development of safe, non-opioid pain relief medications.

McHardy is involved in three groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at targeting different pathways involved in pain perception, with significant implications for reducing dependency on opioids and addressing the opioid crisis. One focus area is the design of small-molecule inhibitors that block a pain-associated enzyme called PLA2. By specifically inhibiting this enzyme, the goal is to produce effective pain relief medications that do not carry the addictive qualities of traditional opioids.

Collaborating with Kenneth M. Hargreaves, McHardy’s team is working on medicinal chemistry to create potent inhibitors, employing advanced molecular analysis, computational modeling, and chemical synthesis. These efforts aim to discover new therapeutic candidates capable of managing pain without risking addiction.

Separately, researchers are exploring targeting pain-sensing nerves rather than the central nervous system. Specifically, they are investigating the delta opioid receptor (DOR) and kappa opioid receptor (KOR), which form a heteromer when activated. Stimulating this heteromer may lead to significant pain reduction with fewer side effects common to opioids.

Additional projects include developing compounds like CP612, which blocks an enzyme called PKCε involved in nerve pain. Laboratory studies show that CP612 not only mitigates chemotherapy-induced nerve pain but also alleviates opioid withdrawal symptoms without additional harm or addiction potential.

These multidisciplinary efforts exemplify innovative approaches to pain management that could transform treatment options, reduce reliance on addictive opioids, and improve quality of life for millions affected by chronic pain. The research underscores the importance of exploring new molecular targets and pathways to create safer, more effective analgesics.

Source: Medical Xpress