Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a new compound called boronicaine that offers longer-lasting painkilling effects compared to lidocaine. The compound provides about five times longer relief, making it a potential alternative for treating sports injuries and joint replacement procedures.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have been awarded a $2.4 million grant to expand development of new pain medications that utilize the same biological target as morphine but with fewer side effects. These new compounds aim to reduce respiratory suppression and persistent constipation associated with current opioid drugs.
Researchers at The Hormel Institute discovered that aspirin may exert its chemopreventive effects against colorectal cancer by normalizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in gastrointestinal precancerous lesions. This finding suggests EGFR as a novel target for preventing colorectal cancer.
Research from Cornell University finds that texting during minor surgery under local anesthesia can significantly reduce pain demand, with stranger interactions more effective than companion conversations. Patients who texted with strangers received up to six times less narcotic pain relief compared to those without phone access.
A new study found a 19% drop in prescription opioid supply and a 20% decrease in overdose rates following the introduction of abuse-deterrent OxyContin and propoxyphene's removal from the market. The drop was partially offset by an increase in heroin overdose deaths.
The study found a 19% decrease in opioid dispensing and a 20% drop in overdose rates following the introduction of abuse-deterrent extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride. However, heroin overdose rates increased by 23%. The findings suggest that regulatory mandates or voluntary company actions can help stem prescription abuse.
TOPOFEN, a proprietary gel formulation of ketoprofen, has demonstrated greater improvement in pain assessments and faster time to pain response compared to placebo in moderate and severe migraine sufferers. The study results suggest that TOPOFEN can be a safe and effective alternative treatment for patients suffering from acute migraine.
A national survey found that over half of US older adults are now taking a daily dose of aspirin for primary prevention, with 81% having no prior heart attack or stroke. The reasons cited for its use include heart attack and stroke prevention, as well as cancer prevention.
Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered that targeting the A3 adenosine receptor can 'turn off' pain signals in the spinal cord, providing potential relief for patients with chronic pain. The study found that activating this receptor promotes GABA signaling, which is often lost or diminished in chronic pain conditions.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in Florida led to a 25% decrease in oxycodone-related deaths. The program's database helped healthcare providers monitor controlled substance prescriptions, leading to better prescribing decisions.
A study published in Clinical Toxicology found that US poisonings are underreported by 60-90%, with charges approaching $8 billion annually. Alcohol and illicit drug use were the most common reasons for hospital visits.
Researchers found that acetaminophen blunts positive emotions in users, reducing the intensity of both pleasant and disturbing photos. This study provides new insights into the broader consequences of using common pain relievers like Tylenol.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that pain signaling pathways influence the sensitivity of opioid receptors on neuron surfaces. The findings may help develop non-addictive pain management drugs.
A Vanderbilt University study finds that pregnant women prescribed opioids are more likely to give birth to babies with drug withdrawal syndrome. The study highlights the dangers of overprescription and the need for state and federal policy makers to address the opioid epidemic's impact on mothers and infants.
Researchers at UCSF have visualized the TRPA1 protein, also known as the 'wasabi receptor', at near-atomic resolution. This discovery provides valuable insight into how anti-inflammatory pain drugs can be designed to target this receptor.
A recent study published in PAIN found that combining morphine and nortriptyline provides better pain relief than using either drug alone, with 87% of patients experiencing significant pain reduction. The combination treatment also showed no worsening of common side effects such as constipation and dry mouth.
A new study by Dr. Faraj Adballah found that single-shot nerve blocks provide limited pain relief after shoulder surgery, lasting only six to eight hours. After this initial period, patients who received the shot experienced a phenomenon known as rebound pain, which worsened their symptoms.
A study published in PAIN journal reports that 20-30% of opioid analgesic drugs prescribed for chronic pain are misused, while the rate of opioid addiction is approximately 10%. The researchers note variability in rates across studies and question whether the benefits of opioids for chronic pain outweigh the consequences.
A new study published in JAMA finds that using a stent to widen narrowed brain arteries does not provide better outcomes than medication alone. The trial enrolled 112 patients and found increased stroke or TIA risk with stent use, as well as higher mortality rates.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne found that genetic variation affects the protective effect of aspirin on bowel cancer risk. The study analyzed data from 8,624 participants and found that about 1 in 25 people do not benefit from taking aspirin, potentially increasing their risk.
Patients with Parkinson's disease experienced improved or eliminated preoperative pain after eight years following subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. However, new musculoskeletal pain developed in 75% of patients during the follow-up period.
Research reveals spinal cord neurons in the dorsal horn use glycine to inhibit pain signals, while also controlling various forms of itch. The discovery offers new insights into the Gate Control Theory and potential therapeutic targets for pain management.
A study of 19,000 individuals found that regular use of aspirin and/or NSAIDs was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. However, the association differed according to specific genetic variations at chromosomes 12 and 15.
A new study found that regular use of aspirin and NSAIDs is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in those with certain genetic variations on chromosome 15. However, about 4% of participants with two rare genotypes on chromosome 12 had an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Researchers identified genetic markers that determine who benefits from aspirin and NSAIDs in lowering colorectal cancer risk. Aspirin and NSAID use is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer among individuals with a specific genotype.
A new study by researchers from the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, the Regenstrief Institute, and Indiana University School of Medicine reports that a stepped-care strategy improved function and decreased pain severity in veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain, producing at least a 30 percent improvement in pain-related di...
Research identified seven compounds that block key pain signals to the brain, offering hope for new painkillers. The compounds show high levels of stability and potency, making them promising candidates for treating chronic pain.
Researchers found a consistent dose-response relationship between paracetamol and adverse events, including mortality, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal problems. This suggests that clinicians should reevaluate the drug's effectiveness and tolerability for certain conditions, particularly when analgesic benefit is uncertain.
A study found that individuals exhibiting resistance to aspirin have more severe strokes, with larger brain areas affected, compared to those who respond to the drug. The study also found a median stroke severity score of four in the aspirin-resistant group, indicating a moderate stroke.
Chronic pain in patients with chronic kidney disease is common and associated with improper use of pain medications. An estimated 26 million people in the US have CKD, making it a significant concern for patient safety.
Two studies found that morphine equivalent doses of opioids over 100mg/day increase drug overdose risk, while antidepressant use can mitigate this risk. A third study revealed a 'catch-22' where patients without depression are more likely to overdose when taking opioids with sedatives.
A new compound named 8-Gly carb has been discovered by UC Davis researchers to potentiate the inhibition of nitrous oxide production, implicated in chronic pain syndromes. The findings offer an important avenue for developing drugs to prevent neuropathic pain without interfering with recovery.
The study found that since 2002, non-medical use of painkillers has declined while overdose deaths have soared. Researchers recommend expanding access to opioid addiction treatment and implementing public education campaigns on the risks of prescription opioids.
Children taking hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease show inconsistent results, with some experiencing improved symptoms despite negative laboratory tests. A new study aims to clarify the issue by monitoring medication adherence and exploring genetic differences between responders and non-responders.
A new analysis found that opioid-based prescription painkillers increase the risk of serious birth defects and preterm birth. The CDC and March of Dimes recommend using safer alternatives during pregnancy to protect babies from exposure to opioids.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leaks after nonelective colorectal procedures. The study included over 13,000 patients and showed a 24% increased risk for anastomotic leak among those who received NSAIDs.
A study published in Current Biology found that stress hormones block empathy, while a game of Rock Band increased emotional contagion of pain in both mice and human strangers. Researchers discovered that biochemical changes related to stress prevented emotional contagion in animals.
A National Institutes of Health white paper found little to no evidence for the effectiveness of opioid drugs in treating long-term chronic pain, despite their widespread use. The study's findings suggest that many studies used to justify prescription were poorly conducted or of insufficient duration.
A study found that nearly 12% of patients receiving aspirin for primary prevention were taking it inappropriately. Inappropriate use was more common among women and younger patients. The study highlights the need for medical providers to consider potential benefits vs. risks when prescribing aspirin therapy.
A Northwestern University study found that pediatric patients who listened to their chosen music or audiobooks had a significant reduction in post-surgical pain. The therapy was effective regardless of the patient's initial pain score and can be used as an alternative to opioid analgesics.
Manual acupuncture has a substantial difference in treatment effect, with stronger evidence of pain relief compared to laser acupuncture. The study found that manual acupuncture is effective in short-term pain relief and activates the descending pain inhibitory system.
A study published in PLoS Genetics found that ibuprofen extended the lifespan of yeast, worms, and fruit flies, with treated organisms living up to 15% longer. The research suggests that ibuprofen impacts a process not yet implicated in aging, offering a new approach to studying and understanding the aging process.
Research published in the journal PLOS Genetics reveals that regular doses of ibuprofen extended the lifespan of multiple species by 15%, potentially adding a decade or more to healthy living. The study's findings suggest that common drugs like ibuprofen may hold key to understanding and extending human health span.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered a possible way to identify which patients should avoid using COX-2 inhibitors, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), due to increased heart attack risk. The study found that COX-2 inhibitors raise levels of ADMA, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in Neurology found that pregabalin is not effective in controlling the pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. The most common type of chronic lower back pain in older adults, this condition affects millions worldwide and often leads to surgery or stronger pain medications.
A survey of primary care physicians suggests a decrease in opioid prescriptions, with 58% reporting reduced prescribing habits. The study highlights the growing concern among doctors about the risks of prescription opioid use, including addiction and death by overdose.
Indiana University researchers are developing a computational model to predict acetaminophen-induced liver failure, using advanced microscopic and computational technologies. The model aims to reduce the use of animals in toxicity studies while enabling realistic scientific predictions for environmental and human health problems.
A large study found that the benefits of regular low-dose aspirin in healthy women are outweighed by its drawbacks. However, limiting its use to women over 65 may lead to a better balance between risk and benefit. The study involved nearly 30,000 women aged 45 and above.
A randomized controlled trial found that intranasal ketamine is effective in treating moderate to severe pain in children with limb injuries. The study showed improved pain relief and satisfaction rates compared to fentanyl, with fewer adverse events reported for ketamine.
Saint Louis University researcher Daniela Salvemini and colleagues have discovered a way to block a pain pathway in animal models of chronic neuropathic pain, suggesting a promising new approach to pain relief. Activating the A3 adenosine receptor subtype provides robust pain reduction across several types of pain.
Researchers at Harvard University successfully converted mouse and human skin cells into pain sensing neurons that respond to various stimuli, including acute and inflammatory pain. The 'disease in a dish' model may lead to improved drug development for chronic pain treatment.
Chemists developed a new way to manufacture natural chemicals by clipping smaller molecules together, enabling the efficient assembly of scarce anti-inflammatory drugs like pseudopterosin. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper ways to produce rare drugs in large quantities.
Researchers found no significant reduction in cardiovascular events, but a lower incidence of nonfatal heart attack and transient ischemic attack. Aspirin increased the risk of extracranial hemorrhage requiring hospitalization.
A recent study published in JAMA found that taking aspirin or clonidine before and after surgery did not lower the risk of acute kidney injury. The study involved over 6,900 patients and showed that major bleeding with aspirin increased AKI risk, while low blood pressure with clonidine had a similar effect.
Researchers at Lund University have identified a mechanism that creates cold-induced pain, linking it to the same receptor that reacts to pungent substances in mustard and garlic. This discovery could help those with cold allodynia, a common problem among patients with chronic pain or nervous system diseases.
A new study published in PAIN found that chronic pain patients without opioid treatment have an increased risk of death compared to those with pain but without opioid use. Long-term opioid users had a higher risk of death due to causes other than cardiovascular and cancer mortality, as well as a four times higher risk of toxicity poiso...
Researchers have developed a novel prochlorperazine nasal spray formulation as a potential new treatment for migraines. The product has been found to remain stable for up to 120 days with minimal degradation, demonstrating its effectiveness in treating migraine patients.
A study published in Neurology found that people taking certain COX-2 inhibitors were 19% more likely to die after a stroke. New users of older COX-2 drugs, such as etodolac, were 42% more likely to die from stroke.
Researchers are investigating the effects of aspirin and statins on preventing cardiovascular disease in people with long-term HIV infections. The study aims to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health in participants.
A randomized trial found ibuprofen to be a safer and more effective option for managing fracture pain in children, with fewer adverse events compared to oral morphine. The study involved 134 children aged 5-17 and concluded that ibuprofen remains a viable therapy for outpatient management of children's fracture pain.