Latest news with #neuropathicPain
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Neuropathic pain has no immediate cause – research on a brain receptor may help stop this hard-to-treat condition
Pain is easy to understand until it isn't. A stubbed toe or sprained ankle hurts, but it makes sense because the cause is clear and the pain fades as you heal. But what if the pain didn't go away? What if even a breeze felt like fire, or your leg burned for no reason at all? When pain lingers without a clear cause, that's neuropathic pain. We are neuroscientists who study how pain circuits in the brain and spinal cord change over time. Our work focuses on the molecules that quietly reshape how pain is felt and remembered. We didn't fully grasp how different neuropathic pain was from injury-related pain until we began working in a lab studying it. Patients spoke of a phantom pain that haunted them daily – unseen, unexplained and life-altering. These conversations shifted our focus from symptoms to mechanisms. What causes this ghost pain to persist, and how can we intervene at the molecular level to change it? Neuropathic pain stems from damage to or dysfunction in the nervous system itself. The system that was meant to detect pain becomes the source of it, like a fire alarm going off without a fire. Even a soft touch or breeze can feel unbearable. Neuropathic pain doesn't just affect the body – it also alters the brain. Chronic pain of this nature often leads to depression, anxiety, social isolation and a deep sense of helplessness. It can make even the most routine tasks feel unbearable. About 10% of the U.S. population – tens of millions of people – experience neuropathic pain, and cases are rising as the population ages. Complications from diabetes, cancer treatments or spinal cord injuries can lead to this condition. Despite its prevalence, doctors often overlook neuropathic pain because its underlying biology is poorly understood. There's also an economic cost to neuropathic pain. This condition contributes to billions of dollars in health care spending, missed workdays and lost productivity. In the search for relief, many turn to opioids, a path that, as seen from the opioid epidemic, can carry its own devastating consequences through addiction. Finding treatments for neuropathic pain requires answering several questions. Why does the nervous system misfire in this way? What exactly causes it to rewire in ways that increase pain sensitivity or create phantom sensations? And most urgently: Is there a way to reset the system? This is where our lab's work and the story of a receptor called GluD1 comes in. Short for glutamate delta-1 receptor, this protein doesn't usually make headlines. Scientists have long considered GluD1 a biochemical curiosity, part of the glutamate receptor family, but not known to function like its relatives that typically transmit electrical signals in the brain. Instead, GluD1 plays a different role. It helps organize synapses, the junctions where neurons connect. Think of it as a construction foreman: It doesn't send messages itself, but directs where connections form and how strong they become. This organizing role is critical in shaping the way neural circuits develop and adapt, especially in regions involved in pain and emotion. Our lab's research suggests that GluD1 acts as a molecular architect of pain circuits, particularly in conditions like neuropathic pain where those circuits misfire or rewire abnormally. In parts of the nervous system crucial for pain processing like the spinal cord and amygdala, GluD1 may shape how people experience pain physically and emotionally. Across our work, we found that disruptions to GluD1 activity is linked to persistent pain. Restoring GluD1 activity can reduce pain. The question is, how exactly does GluD1 reshape the pain experience? In our first study, we discovered that GluD1 doesn't operate solo. It teams up with a protein called cerebellin-1 to form a structure that maintains constant communication between brain cells. This structure, called a trans-synaptic bridge, can be compared to a strong handshake between two neurons. It makes sure that pain signals are appropriately processed and filtered. But in chronic pain, the bridge between these proteins becomes unstable and starts to fall apart. The result is chaotic. Like a group chat where everyone is talking at once and nobody can be heard clearly, neurons start to misfire and overreact. This synaptic noise turns up the brain's pain sensitivity, both physically and emotionally. It suggests that GluD1 isn't just managing pain signals, but also may be shaping how those signals feel. What if we could restore that broken connection? In our second study, we injected mice with cerebellin-1 and saw that it reactivated GluD1 activity, easing their chronic pain without producing any side effects. It helped the pain processing system work again without the sedative effects or disruptions to other nerve signals that are common with opioids. Rather than just numbing the body, reactivating GluD1 activity recalibrated how the brain processes pain. Of course, this research is still in the early stages, far from clinical trials. But the implications are exciting: GluD1 may offer a way to repair the pain processing network itself, with fewer side effects and less risk of addiction than current treatments. For millions living with chronic pain, this small, peculiar receptor may open the door to a new kind of relief: one that heals the system, not just masks its symptoms. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Pooja Shree Chettiar, Texas A&M University and Siddhesh Sabnis, Texas A&M University Read more: How do painkillers actually kill pain? From ibuprofen to fentanyl, it's about meeting the pain where it's at Your body naturally produces opioids without causing addiction or overdose – studying how this process works could help reduce the side effects of opioid drugs Opioid-free surgery treats pain at every physical and emotional level The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Sunshine Biopharma Launches Generic Gabapentin for Neuropathic Pain in the Canadian Segment of the Global $1.92 Billion Market
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 11, 2025 / Sunshine Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ:SBFM) (the 'Company'), a pharmaceutical company offering and researching life-saving medicines in a variety of therapeutic areas including oncology and antivirals today announced that its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Nora Pharma Inc., has launched Gabapentin, a new generic prescription drug in the therapeutic class of anticonvulsants. Gabapentin is a generic version of Neurontin®. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat neuropathic pain and epilepsy. It is also used for the treatment of pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, central pain, and postherpetic neuralgia (a painful condition that can occur after a shingles outbreak). Nora Pharma's Gabapentin is available in strengths of 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg and comes in bottles of 500 capsules. Nora Pharma elected to supply its Gabapentin in capsule format which is the market leader owing to their ease of administration, including in children and the elderly. Gabapentin acts by decreasing the activity of the voltage-dependent calcium channel protein, alpha-2/delta-1. By binding to alpha-2/delta-1, Gabapentin lowers the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and as a result, reduces excess excitation of the neuronal networks in the brain and spinal cord. According to GlobeNewswire, the global Gabapentin market was valued at $1.92 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.07 billion by 2030. The growth in market size for Gabapentin is driven by (i) increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, (ii) expanding applications beyond neuropathic pain and epilepsy, (iii) shift away from the use of opioids for pain management, and (iv) aging population where individuals are more prone to having chronic pain and neurological disorders. Canada represents approximately 1.2% of the global pharmaceutical market for Gabapentin. Despite its relatively small share, Canada is ranked as the eighth-largest pharmaceutical market in the world (Statista). Factors contributing to Canada's prominence in this sector include innovative pharmaceutical sector, aging population, and increasing healthcare expenditures. 'At Sunshine Biopharma, we are unwavering in our commitment to fortifying our presence in Canada's dynamic $9.4 billion generic drugs market, which is forecasted to nearly double to $19.2 billion by 2032,' said Dr. Steve Slilaty, CEO of the Company. 'By steadily expanding our product offerings, investing in research, and maintaining the highest standards of quality, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients as we continue to shape the future of affordable medicine.' About Sunshine Biopharma Inc. Sunshine Biopharma currently has 71 generic prescription drugs on the market in Canada and more than 12 additional drugs planned to be launched in the remainder of 2025. Among the new drugs to be launched is NIOPEG®, a biosimilar of NEULASTA®. Like NEULASTA®, NIOPEG® is a long-acting form of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (filgrastim). It is indicated to decrease the incidence of infection in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving anti-neoplastic therapy. In addition, Sunshine Biopharma is conducting a proprietary drug development program which is comprised of (i) K1.1 mRNA, an mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle targeted for liver cancer, and (ii) PLpro protease inhibitor, a small molecule for treatment of SARS Coronavirus infections. For more information, please visit: All registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions of Sunshine Biopharma Inc. (the 'Company') that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected. These statements appear in this release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, including statements related to the Company's drug development activities, financial performance, and future growth. These risks and uncertainties are further described in filings and reports by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements and risk factors set forth in the Company's most recent SEC filings. For more information, please contact: Camille Sebaaly, CFO Direct Line: 514-814-0464 [email protected] SOURCE: Sunshine Biopharma Inc. press release
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
MIRA Pharmaceuticals to Participate in BIO 2025 in Boston and Highlights Ongoing Progress Across Clinical Program
The company will engage in BIO One-on-One Partnering™ meetings as it advances Phase 1 for Ketamir-2, prepares Phase IIa study in neuropathic pain, and finalizes filings for SKNY acquisition. MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 28, 2025 / MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:MIRA) ('MIRA' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for neurologic, neuropsychiatric, and metabolic disorders, today announced that it will participate in the BIO International Convention 2025, taking place in Boston, MA from June 16-19, 2025. The Company has a full schedule of BIO One-on-One Partnering™ meetings planned as it explores potential licensing, strategic partnerships, and M&A opportunities. The Company's lead candidate, Ketamir-2, a next-generation oral ketamine analog, is currently undergoing a Phase 1 clinical trial. With the second dosing cohort completed, the Company is now preparing to initiate the third cohort. Building on this momentum, MIRA anticipates initiating a Phase IIa study in neuropathic pain before the end of the year, advancing the development of what the Company believes could be a safe, effective non-opioid alternative for chronic pain management. In addition, MIRA is advancing a series of preclinical studies with Ketamir-2, including models evaluating its potential in PTSD, as well as a topical formulation aimed at treating localized inflammatory pain. The Company is also finalizing regulatory filings related to its acquisition of SKNY Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ('SKNY'), with submission to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expected in the coming weeks. SKNY-1, SKNY's primary pharmaceutical candidate, is being developed as an oral therapeutic targeting smoking cessation and obesity, with activity at CB1, CB2, and MAO-B receptors. 'Our pipeline is advancing on all fronts, and we are focused on turning this scientific momentum into long-term value for patients and shareholders,' said Erez Aminov, Chief Executive Officer of MIRA. 'As we move closer to initiating Phase IIa and completing the SKNY transaction, we're actively exploring strategic opportunities to accelerate growth, including licensing and partnerships-especially in areas like chronic pain where non-opioid alternatives like Ketamir-2 are urgently needed.' Dr. Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor at MIRA, added: 'We believe Ketamir-2 is paving the way for a new class of non-opioid therapies. The science is compelling, and the progress we have made is truly exciting. I look forward to sharing the depth of our work and the promising data we've generated with potential partners and investors.' Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release and the statements of MIRA's management related thereto contain 'forward-looking statements,' which are statements other than historical facts made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may be identified by words such as 'aims,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'could,' 'estimates,' 'expects,' 'forecasts,' 'goal,' 'intends,' 'may,' 'plans,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'seeks,' 'will,' and variations of these words or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be deemed forward-looking. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on MIRA's current expectations, estimates, and projections only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties (many of which are beyond MIRA's control) that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including related to MIRA's potential merger with SKNY Pharmaceuticals, Inc. These and other risks concerning MIRA's programs and operations are described in additional detail in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other SEC filings, which are on file with the SEC at and MIRA's website at MIRA explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law. Contact Information Helga Moya [email protected] (786) 432-9792 SOURCE: MIRA Pharmaceuticals press release
National Post
15-05-2025
- Health
- National Post
Rubedo Life Sciences' Drug Discovery Platform, ALEMBIC™, Helps Identify Senescent or "Zombie" Neurons in New Study Linking Neuropathic Pain and Aging Published in Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal Nature Neuroscience
Article content Study is the first demonstration of senescent neurons driving neuropathic pain 1 Rubedo's proprietary, AI-driven drug discovery platform ALEMBIC™ identified senescent neurons as novel therapeutic targets 2 Article content Article content SAN FRANCISCO — Rubedo Life Sciences, Inc. (Rubedo), an AI-driven, clinical-stage biotech focused on discovering and rapidly developing selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells, today announced that using open source codes integrated in the company's broader propriety drug discovery platform, ALEMBIC™, helped to identify senescent neurons in a new study that found senescent neurons drive chronic pain with injury and age. 1 Senescent cells, often called 'zombie' cells, arise as the results of cellular stress and damage. These senescent cells do not die but undergo cellular changes, including secreting pro-inflammatory factors, thereby potentially contributing to inflammatory responses within the body. 1 The study, led by Stanford University scientists, Vivianne Tawfik, MD, PhD, and Lauren Donovan, PhD, and co-authored by Rubedo team members, including Chief Scientific Officer Marco Quarta, PhD, and Chief Technology Officer Alex Laslavic, was published in the May 14 th edition of Nature Neuroscience, a prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journal, and will be featured on the cover of the May issue. 'In this study, we were able to show for the first time that neurons can become senescent, fueling neuropathic pain in both mouse models and human dorsal root ganglia tissue,' said Dr. Marco Quarta, Chief Scientific Officer of Rubedo Life Sciences. Article content Dr. Quarta said, 'We know that senescent cells, which increase as people age, drive chronic degenerative diseases and conditions. In this study, we were able to show for the first time that neurons can become senescent, fueling neuropathic pain in both mouse models and human dorsal root ganglia tissue. The bioinformatic validation provided as part of our broader ALEMBIC™ platform with SenTeCh™ chemistry technology helped to uncover this link between aging and neuropathic pain, and further corroborates our experimental observations that treatments targeting these senescent cells could offer meaningful benefits for people experiencing age-related conditions.' 1 Article content About the Study Article content In the study, researchers found that injury to peripheral axons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons results in sensory dysfunction, such as pain. This occurs at higher rates in aged individuals. Furthermore, cellular senescence is common to both aging and injury, and contributes to this sensory dysfunction. Elimination of senescent cells results in pain improvement, indicating a potential target for new pain therapeutics. 1 Article content 'Chronic pain continues to be an area with high unmet need, especially among older adults. In this study, aging markedly increased the burden of senescent or 'zombie' neurons, which in turn worsened neuropathic pain severity. These insights demonstrate that selective targeting of senescent-like neurons may lead to novel strategies for the management of chronic pain,' 1 said Vivianne, L. Tawfik, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, and the senior author of the study. 'We appreciate the valuable support and expertise from the Rubedo team during this research.' Article content About Rubedo Life Sciences Article content Rubedo Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biotech developing a broad portfolio of innovative selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells that drive chronic age-related diseases. Our proprietary AI-driven ALEMBIC™ drug discovery platform is developing novel first-in-class small molecules to selectively target pathologic and senescent cells, which play a key role in the progression of pulmonary, dermatological, oncological, neurodegenerative, fibrotic, and other chronic disorders. Our lead drug candidate – RLS-1496, a potential first-in-class disease-altering GPX4 modulator – is set to begin Phase I clinical trials in Spring of 2025, marking the first ever GPX4 modulator to enter a human clinical trial. The Rubedo leadership team is composed of industry leaders and early pioneers in chemistry, AI technology, longevity science, and life sciences, with expertise in drug development and commercialization from both large pharmaceutical and leading biotechnology companies. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, USA, and has offices in Milan, Italy. For additional information, visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Investor Contact: Rubedo Chief Business Officer Ali Siam alisiam@ 781-974-9559 Article content Article content Article content
