Researchers developed an experimental mRNA therapy that reduces liver injury in mice, even when given at a much later point in time than the currently available antidote. The therapy harnesses a newly identified protective mechanism that helps liver cells survive acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress.
A nasal spray treatment has shown to provide rapid and effective pain relief for children in emergency departments, with 86.2% of children experiencing reduced pain 30 minutes after treatment. The treatment was well-tolerated with mild side effects, offering a simple and effective option for treating children in the emergency department.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a slow-release injectable drug delivery system that achieved pain-numbing anesthetic effects lasting two to three weeks in rats. The system uses liposomes with multiple compartments, allowing for ultra-slow release of hydrophilic drugs.
A recent review of 3 million participants found small positive associations between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism and ADHD, but these associations weakened with higher-quality studies. The evidence does not support a causal link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
A multicenter randomized clinical trial of 370 nulliparous individuals found that intrauterine mepivacaine instillation significantly reduced pain and improved tolerability during IUD placement compared to placebo saline. The study supports mepivacaine instillation as a simple approach to improve the IUD placement experience.
Surzen Biotherapeutics aims to develop effective pain relief without severe side effects by targeting opioid receptor pathways differently. The company plans to use peptides to block dimerization, reducing tolerance and improving efficacy.
A study found that combining omega-3 and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was comparable to antibiotics in treating severe periodontitis, reducing the need for antibiotics. The treatment combination showed significant benefits, with patients experiencing a similar rate of deep pocket reduction as those receiving antibiotics.
A cohort study of 2771 male children found no evidence that neonatal medical male circumcision is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. The study also examined the effects of acetaminophen use during and after the procedure, but found it to be uncommon.
Insilico Medicine has nominated an AI-driven novel compound ISM9528 for pain management, addressing the $100 billion market challenge. The compound targets Target Z and offers a non-opioid treatment approach with superior efficacy and safety profile.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and preterm birth, birth weight, or small-for-gestational-age size. However, it did find an association with lower odds of large-for-gestational-age birth when birth weight was accounted for.
A study found that cancer care providers are more likely to be aware of the risks of cannabis use, but less comfortable discussing it with patients. In contrast, survivors feel more comfortable discussing cannabis with their care team and hold more positive attitudes towards its use.
Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 births in Scotland to examine the effects of epidural analgesia on newborn health. The study found no association between epidural use and serious neurological conditions, sepsis, or cerebral palsy in childhood.
A pilot clinical trial assessed ibuprofen's safety and efficacy as an adjunct to standard TB treatment in patients with pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB. Participants showed a reduced inflammatory response, indicating potential benefits for host-directed therapies.
A new study co-led by Aston University researchers has found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research analyzed electronic medical records from over 708,000 mother-child pairs in Hong Kong spanning two decades.
A population-based study found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and risk of autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring. The study suggests that positive signals from previous research may be due to familial confounding.
A White House announcement on treating autism with leucovorin and against acetaminophen during pregnancy led to significant increases in internet searches for these topics. Nearly 1 million additional searches for leucovorin were recorded, alongside over 4 million searches for acetaminophen.
Researchers analyzed over 264,000 pregnancies to confirm the safety of NSAIDs and paracetamol during pregnancy. The studies found no association between painkiller use and birth defects, dispelling long-standing myths.
Researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 adults who started taking aspirin and found a similar bladder cancer prevalence but lower invasive stage. Aspirin initiators received more cystoscopies, which uncovered the cancer. The study suggests that aspirin may unmask otherwise asymptomatic bladder cancer.
Researchers found that HIV-associated protein gp120 increases nerve receptor activity, leading to increased pain sensitivity. Targeting this mechanism with drugs or genetic approaches may alleviate chronic pain associated with HIV, and could also treat other conditions.
Acetaminophen remains the recommended medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. Recent studies have investigated its potential association with childhood neurobehavioral issues, but significant limitations were found in their study designs. SMFM recommends acetaminophen as a safe treatment option for pregnant patients wh...
A large Israeli pregnancy registry study found no association between first-trimester nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and major congenital malformations. The study analyzed over 264,000 pregnancies and found no increased risk of birth defects, even at higher doses.
A new study shows that while dental opioid prescription fills in the US have dropped by 27% since 2021, the rate remains higher than in other developed countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico. The study suggests that some US dentists are still overprescribing opioids.
A Phase II trial found that exercise can improve cognitive function in patients receiving chemotherapy, while low-dose ibuprofen may also have some benefits. The study suggests that exercise is more effective in improving cognitive outcomes, but further research is needed to explore the effects of ibuprofen and combination therapy.
A new study by University College London found that gabapentinoids, prescribed for chronic pain, double the risk of hospitalization for drug poisoning when combined with benzodiazepines or opioids. The risk persists even after starting gabapentinoid treatment, suggesting they may not be an effective solution to reduce poisoning risks.
Researchers have developed a low-cost fake drug detector that uses an infrared sensor to track pill dissolution rates. The device can identify legitimate medications from counterfeit ones with high accuracy, making it a valuable tool in the fight against global health threats.
A study in Taiwan found a positive association between maternal prenatal acetaminophen use and increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in offspring. However, associations were not observed in sibling-matched analyses, suggesting unaddressed sources of bias.
A study found a significant decrease in acetaminophen use during pregnancy and a surge in leucovorin prescriptions after the September 2025 White House briefing. Leucovorin prescriptions increased approximately 71% above expected levels, mainly for children with autism diagnoses.
A new Cochrane review found that sucrose can effectively reduce pain in newborn babies during painful procedures like venepuncture. The study examined 29 clinical trials involving over 2,700 babies and showed that a small amount of sucrose given before the procedure significantly reduces pain when combined with non-nutritive sucking.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 3, 2026
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry has secured a $9 million NIH grant to develop a targeted, non-opioid treatment for chronic pain associated with muscle and joint dysfunction. Researchers will map the biology of facial pain, identify specialized neurons, and analyze gene expression changes to design effective treatments.
The study found that opioids provide only small, time-limited pain relief for certain pain conditions, such as stomach pain and dental surgery. Regular use of opioids comes with a risk of harm, including dependence and overdose.
Daily aspirin use offers no quick or reliable way to prevent bowel cancer in the general population, increasing risk of serious bleeding. However, it may have potential long-term benefits for people at high genetic risk of colorectal cancer.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 25, 2026
A modified fentanyl molecule with a new core structure reduces respiratory depression while maintaining its pain-relieving properties. This redesign preserves the essential anchor point for receptor activation, producing pain relief without significant side effects.
A new study found that MET signaling plays a critical protective role in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by reducing liver damage and accelerating regeneration. The findings suggest targeting MET signaling could become a game-changer for treating drug-induced ALF, potentially reducing the need for emergency liver transplants.
A recent study found that low-dose aspirin use was not associated with incident cancer incidence in older adults, contrary to previous findings. However, the study revealed a significant elevation in cancer mortality risk during the randomized clinical trial period, which did not persist after the trial ended.
Research suggests that blocking growth factor receptor signaling using cancer drugs may overcome two challenges: managing oral cancer pain and preventing opioid tolerance. This approach could control cancer while addressing pain through a non-opioid, biologically rational approach.
A new study used deep learning and large-scale computer simulations to identify structural differences in synthetic cannabinoid molecules that cause them to bind to human brain receptors differently from classical cannabinoids. Researchers found that these substances often trigger the beta arrestin pathway, leading to more severe psych...
Researchers found that abstinent smokers have altered brain activity linked to increased pain sensitivity and a need for more postoperative pain relief. The study suggests that nicotine withdrawal affects specific brain regions, leading to higher requirements for pain management in surgery.
Headache disorders affect nearly one in every three people, causing significant disability and health loss. Migraine and medication overuse drive most of the global burden, emphasizing the need for improved prevention, management, and access to care.
Research finds existing evidence on paracetamol use during pregnancy does not clearly link it to autism or ADHD in children; studies suggest shared genetic and environmental factors within families may explain the observed risk. Women can be advised to take paracetamol when needed for pain and fever during pregnancy.
A new study by Rutgers University found that over-the-counter pain medications are as effective as opioids in reducing pain after tooth extraction for both men and women. The study's results confirm the analgesic effect of non-opioid medications, which were superior to opioids in terms of sleep quality and daily activity interference.
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found no association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD. The study offers reassurance for pregnant women, public health agenci...
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 6, 2025
Researchers discovered a new enzyme produced by Bacteroides fragilis that activates pain signaling. The enzyme is targeted with nanoparticles to develop treatments for gut pain in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The studies aim to restore balance between good and bad bacteria to reduce symptoms.
A pooled data analysis found tramadol to be ineffective in easing chronic pain, with a small and clinically insignificant effect. The use of tramadol was also associated with an increased risk of serious side effects, including heart disease and certain cancers.
A new study suggests that low-dose aspirin can prevent cancer in older adults based on individual characteristics. The analysis found varying treatment effects among participants, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to cancer prevention.
Scientists at NYU Pain Research Center identified the EP2 receptor as the main cause of inflammatory pain but not inflammation. Blocking this receptor silenced pain responses without affecting inflammation, offering a new strategy for treating prostaglandin-mediated pain.
Inflammasome activation plays a key role in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, triggering oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Targeting inflammasome signaling offers promising therapeutic approaches, including NLRP3 inhibitors, caspase-1 inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory agents.
Researchers have identified two key brainstem regions involved in pain relief, with distinct patterns of activity depending on the location of pain. This discovery may pave the way for safer, more targeted treatments for chronic pain without relying on opioids.
Research from the University of South Australia finds that ibuprofen and paracetamol drive antibiotic resistance when used individually, but amplifying it when combined. The study also reveals that common bacteria like E. coli become highly resistant to antibiotics and multiple other medications.
A new Cochrane review has found no clear evidence of benefit for ketamine in treating chronic pain conditions. The review identified an increased risk of adverse effects such as delusions and vomiting. High-quality trials are needed to determine the role of ketamine in chronic pain care.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 17, 2025
A parasitic worm has evolved to suppress neurons in the skin to evade detection, reducing its own survival. Researchers discovered that the worm produces molecules blocking TRPV1+ activity, essential for pain sensation and immune responses, allowing it to infect the skin undetected.
Researchers have discovered a way to distinguish identical medicines at the molecular level, allowing for the tracing of counterfeit or stolen medicine. The technology focuses on variants of chemical elements such as isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a novel analgesic called ADRIANA, which targets the α2B-adrenoceptor and exerts its effect without causing cardiovascular instability. The compound has shown highly promising results in non-clinical studies and early clinical trials.
Researchers found that injecting botox directly into the TMJ alleviated TMD-related pain, hypersensitivity, and neural activity, while preserving movement abilities. The study suggests avoiding muscle tissue to overcome botox side effects and offers new hope for treating jaw disorders.
Researchers found that external cues alleviated pain for all participants but only half reported less pain with placebo treatment. Predictive cues were less impactful when patients received placebo treatment. The study suggests cue-based expectations have more consistent effects than treatment-based expectations.
Researchers discovered a new pathway to boost immunity against parasitic infections, suggesting that NSAIDs like ibuprofen could be repurposed as anti-parasitic treatments. Gasdermin C plays a crucial role in this process, targeting and penetrating Rab7-positive vesicles to reduce prostaglandin d2 levels.
A large medical record study found that receiving six or more gabapentin prescriptions for low back pain significantly increases the risk of developing dementia (29% higher) and mild cognitive impairment (85% higher). Risks are particularly high among 18-64 year olds, with no age group considered safe from increased risks.
A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.
A new study found that Black emergency department patients are less likely to be treated with opioids, but when their preferences are not met, they are at a higher risk of misusing opioids three months later. Patients who were satisfied with their pain care had lower rates of opioid misuse.
Researchers identified a key brain region, the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter (vIPAG), that modulates pain and emotional responses in threatening situations. By inhibiting specific cells within this region, scientists discovered a potential pathway for better pain relief.
The UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital is the first in Texas to approve use of suzetrigine, a new non-opioid medication for post-surgical pain. This medication targets the peripheral nervous system, avoiding opioid-related side effects.