New Hope for Non-Opioid Pain Treatment

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Dallas, and The University of Miami have identified a potential non-opioid painkiller. Considering chronic pain affects millions of people in the United States, and widespread use of prescription opioids has led to the opioid epidemic, this is highly welcome news.

The Challenge of Neuropathic Pain

Chronic pain can be the result of various causes and managing it long-term is not an easy task. One particular type of chronic pain that is challenging to treat is neuropathic pain—a pain caused by damaged nerves in body tissues. Neuropathic pain can affect muscle, joint, and skin tissue and result in feelings such as:

• Tingling.
• Burning.
• Stabbing.
• Electric shocks.

Neuropathic pain can be unrelenting. Currently, drugs available to treat it are limited in their efficacy and come with adverse effects, along with an addiction risk.

Enter Compound FEM-1689

New research findings show a compound designated FEM-1689 has the ability to not only reduce hypersensitivity to pain, but also support the regulation of the integrated stress response (ISR).

When functioning optimally, the ISR aids in the body’s ability to combat diseases and injuries, promoting healing and maintaining equilibrium. However, when the ISR is not properly regulated, it can increase the risk of developing metabolic disorders, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases.

The significance of these research findings is that compound FEM-1689 can be used to develop a non-opioid pain therapeutic.

From Research to Clinical Development

Authors on the research paper co-founded NuvoNuro Inc., and the National Institutes of Health HEAL Initiative Funding recently awarded them a grant to fund their research. These funds will be used to develop a non-opioid, painkilling drug. Over the next few years, clinical development will take place.

Potential for Non-Opioid Pain Relief

Years of research beyond this individual study have led up to this point. The ability to offer pain relief treatments that do not engage opioid receptors but alleviate neuropathic pain is the ultimate goal.

By developing a non-opioid option that is more effective and without risk of addiction, those who endure chronic pain will be able to alleviate their suffering without the risks associated with opioids. Imagine how many overdoses and addiction struggles could be prevented if there was an effective alternative to opioids for chronic pain relief.

While this remarkable research is promising, a new drug won’t be available immediately, and for those already in the throes of addiction, help must arrive more swiftly and in a different form. Thankfully, effective treatment for opioid use disorder is available now.

At Greenhouse—a drug and alcohol rehab near Dallas—we understand the toll addiction takes on an individual and their family and friends. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, please know you are not alone. Evidence-based treatment is available to help you recover from addiction and regain your life.

Please call today to discuss treatment options, including checking your insurance coverage for rehab. Compassionate admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer your questions about addiction treatment and help you start the admissions process.