Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
Close adherence to low-dose aspirin therapy resulted in 8 more pregnancies, 6 fewer pregnancy losses, and 15 more live births per 100 women. Starting aspirin before or early pregnancy showed stronger benefits than starting after the 6th week.
Researchers found that ACSL1 catalyzes CoA conjugation of propionic acid-class NSAIDs, leading to liver injury through covalent binding with hepatic proteins. This variation in hepatic ACSL1 expression may account for individual susceptibility to toxicities.
A new study by physician-researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that a modified pain management strategy reduced opioid exposure in trauma patients while maintaining equal levels of pain control. The MAST regimen, a multi-modal analgesic approach using over-the-counter medications, achieved this o...
The study found that a multimodal pain regimen (MMPR) reduced opioid exposure and pain scores in trauma patients. The MMPR, which includes generic medications such as acetaminophen and tramadol, was shown to be an effective alternative to traditional opioid treatments.
A recent study found that daily aspirin use does not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer among adults who start taking it after age 70. However, there may be a potential benefit for those who begin taking aspirin at an earlier age.
A new polymer patch provides controlled release of a drug blocking COX-2 enzyme, driving pain and inflammation. The patch can provide three to four days of localized pain control for critical post-surgical period.
Researchers discover pain and fear are transmitted through different brain regions in mice, with pain mediated by the anterior cingulate cortex to the nucleus accumbens and fear mediated by the ACC to the basolateral amygdala. This study provides insights into empathy and may offer a model for socially-induced pain relief among humans.
A trial found that listening to soothing words and music during surgery reduced postoperative pain levels by 25% and decreased opioid consumption by 16%. This non-invasive technique could offer a safe and inexpensive way to reduce pain and opioid use after surgery.
A new compound has been identified that targets imidazole I2 receptors to reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognition in late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study also reveals the calcineurin pathway as a key mechanism of action, opening up possibilities for new therapies.
A new study published in Cell Reports found that painkillers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen interfere with the auxin flow in plants, leading to abnormal root growth. The drugs also suppress the movement and trafficking of substances within plant cells, impairing their ability to develop properly.
A new drug treatment, otilimab, has shown promising results in reducing both inflammation and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. In a multicentre trial, patients who received otilimab demonstrated significant improvements in pain scores, while also experiencing reduced tender and swollen joints.
Researchers found that combining ticagrelor and aspirin is more effective than either medication alone in preventing another stroke in patients with heart plaque. The study showed a 27% reduction in stroke risk among these patients, highlighting the potential benefits of this combination therapy.
A one-month treatment of dual anti-platelet therapy is safe and as effective as a longer duration of therapy at preventing cardiac events in patients one year after stent placement. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of two durations of dual anti-platelet therapy in patients who had drug-eluting stent placement or polyme...
A single daily pill combining blood pressure and cholesterol medications with or without aspirin reduced cardiovascular disease events in people at intermediate risk for heart disease. The polypill plus aspirin combination lowered cardiovascular disease by 31%, compared to the polypill alone, which reduced it by 21%.
A new study published in BMJ Quality & Safety shows significant reductions in opioid prescribing and consumption after surgery, with no increase in patient pain or satisfaction. The study's findings suggest that team-based approaches to reducing opioid use can lead to sustained success and improved patient outcomes.
A new study suggests that aspirin use is most beneficial for individuals with high coronary calcium scores and a low risk of bleeding. The research found that for patients with CAC scores above 100, aspirin's benefits outweigh its risks, but this effect only applies to those with inherent low bleeding risks.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found a link between the increased availability of high-dose paracetamol tablets and a rise in poisoning cases. The study suggests that limiting pack sizes and promoting lower doses could help minimize accidental overdoses.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients taking daily low-dose aspirin had lower risk of ICU admission, ventilation, and dying from the virus. The study found a 44% reduction in mechanical ventilator use, 43% decrease in ICU admission, and 47% decrease in hospital death compared to those not taking aspirin.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that administering a low dose of ketamine to healthy individuals does not alter their ability to tolerate simulated major blood loss. This study provides valuable insights for medical personnel when choosing pain medication for serious injuries with accompanying blood loss.
The VOYAGER PAD trial found that drug-coated devices do not increase mortality risk in patients with peripheral artery disease. Rivaroxaban use consistently reduced ischemic limb and cardiovascular outcomes regardless of device type.
A clinical study has identified the most effective treatments for cryptogenic sensory polyneuropathy (CSPN), a condition affecting over 20 million people in the US. Nortriptyline and duloxetine emerged as top performers, with nortriptyline showing the highest efficacy rate.
University of Delaware researchers develop tiny cargo-carrying systems that can selectively bind to degrading collagen, providing site-specific medicine delivery over longer periods. These nanoparticle carriers have the potential to improve treatment for diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Experts warn that opioids prescribed after surgery can lead to persistent use, addiction, and harm, including respiratory impairment and driving accidents. To mitigate these risks, hospitals must adopt strict opioid stewardship programs involving multidisciplinary teams.
A study found that FDA evaluations for new opioid drugs approved between 1997 and 2018 lacked systematic assessments of safety-related outcomes, particularly for chronic pain applications. The analysis revealed that trials often excluded patients who could not tolerate the drugs and failed to assess important adverse events.
For over two decades, the FDA has approved new opioids based on studies lacking critical safety and efficacy data. The agency's regulatory activities have been scrutinized due to the role prescription opioids played in driving the opioid epidemic.
South Rampart Pharma, a New Orleans life science company, has been awarded a $1.9 million NIH STTR grant to develop a new class of non-opioid medicines for pain relief and fever reduction. The company aims to create a safer treatment option for acute and chronic pain, which affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Pain found that holding a newborn baby against their parent's skin dampens brain activity in response to painful stimuli. This suggests that touch between parents and their newborns plays an important role in pain processing and development.
A new study found that gabapentin, a commonly used drug for chronic pelvic pain, is no more effective than a placebo in treating the condition. Researchers recommend exploring alternative therapies such as physiotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy instead.
A Rutgers study found that college students with disabilities are more likely to misuse prescription pain relievers and have a higher prevalence of drug use disorder. The study also highlights the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the risk of drug misuse in this population.
A recent study found that combining aspirin, metformin, and statins may decrease lung cancer incidence and mortality. The research analyzed data from over 732,000 Koreans and discovered that concurrent use of these medications was associated with lower risk and mortality rates.
A Danish nationwide cohort study found no association between NSAID use and adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that the well-established risks of NSAIDs should be considered when using them during the pandemic.
A new study suggests that acetaminophen makes risky activities seem less dangerous, leading to increased risk-taking. The study found that participants who took the pain reliever rated activities like bungee jumping and starting a new career as less risky than those who took a placebo.
Researchers genetically rewired yeast cells to manufacture tropane alkaloids, a family of chemical compounds used in traditional medicine for centuries. The breakthrough could provide new sources for plant-based medicines, addressing global shortages and supply chain disruptions.
The opioid crisis presents complex ethical challenges, including the conflation of pain policy with drug policy. Researchers argue that tailoring policy to root causes can improve treatment outcomes. Disentangling these issues is crucial for developing humane and ethical solutions.
A recent study by McMaster University found that only 28% of new Canadian drugs have clear pediatric data, and many critical diseases lack approved treatments. This absence perpetuates 'off-label' drug use, which can lead to inadequate treatment or increased side effects.
The POPular TAVI trial found that aspirin alone significantly reduced bleeding rates compared to aspirin with clopidogrel after TAVI. Aspirin therapy was also superior for secondary outcomes, including non-procedural bleeding and thromboembolic events.
Researchers develop a yeast-based platform to synthesize complex bioactive molecules efficiently. This method uses baker's yeast as a substitute in drug development research, enabling the large-scale production of thousands of products, including opioid analgesics.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have invented a new type of surgical glue that can join blood vessels and close wounds faster, reducing surgery time by 25%. The glue, named CaproGlu, is activated by UV light and forms a strong bond with biocompatible material.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science identify key molecule regulating biomolecular messaging in nerve cells, which plays a role in chronic pain. Targeting this molecule, importin alpha-3, could provide new options for treating chronic pain with fewer side effects.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults with dementia have filled prescriptions for medicines not designed for dementia, posing special risks. Antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs were commonly prescribed, often without addressing the underlying issues, and may even worsen cognitive symptoms.
Researchers found that patients who received daily text messages from an automated chatbot experienced a significant decrease in opioid use, averaging 26 pills compared to 41 for non-participants. This low-effort approach aims to reduce opioid dependence and is potentially transferable to other patient populations.
New research from UC Berkeley and University of Chicago finds a significant gender gap in drug dosages, leading to women experiencing worse side effects nearly twice as often as men. The study recommends dosage reductions for women for various medications, calling for broader awareness of biological sex and gender differences.
Researchers successfully reduced metastatic spread by using medication treatment around the time of surgery, preventing development of metastases. The study found a significant reduction in metastasis development rate in treated patients compared to those receiving a placebo.
A recent clinical trial found that aspirin use increased the risk of advanced cancer progression and early death in older adults. Aspirin was associated with a higher risk of metastasized cancer and stage 4 cancer, leading to higher mortality rates among those diagnosed with advanced solid cancers.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a reliable method to predict an individual's susceptibility to pain using alpha wave frequency. This breakthrough could help clinicians understand how patients will react to surgery and develop more effective pain management strategies.
Research suggests that people with low selenium levels are at risk of paracetamol overdose even when following dosage guidelines. A lack of selenium can slow down the body's ability to eliminate paracetamol, making it more toxic.
A recent study found a significant increase in the number and rate of suicide-related calls to US Poison Control Centers involving over-the-counter analgesics. The trend was driven by increasing exposures among 6-19-year-old females, with children aged 6-19 accounting for half of all cases.
A randomized trial found that IV indomethacin was more effective in successfully closing hemodynamically significant PDAs in very low birth weight infants. The study showed a success rate of 55% for IV indomethacin versus 6% for IV acetaminophen.
A new study published by the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics found that ibuprofen does not hinder bone fracture healing in children. Six weeks after surgery, 92% of patients taking ibuprofen had healed fractures, compared to 82% in the control group.
A study found that women with a rare genetic variant in the KCNG4 gene have a higher pain threshold, allowing them to experience less pain during childbirth. The researchers believe this variant acts like a natural epidural, requiring stronger contractions to switch on pain signals.
A recent study found that most New Zealanders have large quantities of paracetamol stored at home, contributing to a significant number of calls to the National Poisons Centre. The study's results highlight the need for public initiatives to encourage safe disposal of unused medicines and prevent unnecessary accumulation.
A novel study by Keck Medicine of USC researchers reveals a potential new opioid medication that can slow the progression of osteoarthritis while easing pain. The medication, which activates the kappa opioid receptor, has been shown to preserve cartilage in joints and alleviate pain with reduced risk of addiction.
Boston University researchers have developed artificial genes called biosensors that can detect changes in signaling molecules, which are molecular on/off switches inside cells. These biosensors have the potential to improve drug development by allowing researchers to study G-proteins more accurately and easily.
A team of researchers discovered a new class of pipeline drugs to relieve pain and reduce fever, excluding hepatotoxicity and opioid addiction. The findings have significant implications for acute and chronic pain management, particularly in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Long-term use of muscle relaxants has increased dramatically since 2005, particularly among older adults, who are prescribed these drugs at a rate nearly three times that of their proportion in the US population. This trend is concerning, as it can lead to dangerous interactions with opioids and other serious side effects.
Researchers developed LIH383, a novel molecule targeting ACKR3, which modulates natural painkilling and antidepressant properties by reducing opioid peptide levels. This discovery offers an alternative therapeutic strategy for chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as cancer treatment.
A computer model of a sea slug's brain network became addicted to a highly rewarding but nutritionally empty drug, mimicking addiction in other organisms. The creature cycled between eating and chasing the drug due to desire for reward and satiation, eventually experiencing full-fledged withdrawal.
A new study finds that targeting the delta opioid receptor can provide sustained relief from chronic inflammatory pain. Researchers used nanoparticles to deliver a painkiller to the receptors, avoiding side effects and improving effectiveness.
Research from Newcastle University reveals that aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of bowel cancer in people with Lynch syndrome. The study found that taking two aspirins a day for two years reduced colon cancer by half, with protection lasting over 10 years.
A study published in The Lancet found that aspirin reduces colorectal cancer risk by half in genetically predisposed individuals, with preventive efficacy lasting 10-20 years. The CAPP2 trial showed that daily aspirin doses of 600mg reduced cancer risk compared to placebo.