There’s potential for real change in pain management.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new painkiller that promises to be both effective and free from the severe side effects typically associated with opioids.
While opioids affect a range of cellular pathways, this experimental drug, SBI-810, is designed to be more precise. It specifically targets receptors in the brain and spinal cord, focusing on a unique pain relief signal while dodging other signals that can lead to harmful effects.
“This compound is exciting because it offers analgesic properties without being an opioid,” said one of the senior researchers involved. Ru-Rong Ji leads the team at Duke’s Anesthesia Center for Translational Pain Medicine.
They believe this receptor could be a key player in tackling both acute and chronic pain issues.
Chronic pain is a significant concern in the U.S., affecting nearly a quarter of the adult population—approximately 62 million people—just in 2023.
This ongoing struggle with chronic pain has been a driving force behind the opioid crisis. Around 8.6 million Americans aged 12 and older reported improper use of prescription opioids this year.
In fact, opioids played a role in nearly 70% of the over 107,000 drug overdose deaths reported last year, particularly involving substances like fentanyl.
However, there is a silver lining. Recent advances in treatment options have begun to reduce the number of opioid-related fatalities.
It’s still too soon to say how SBI-810 will fit into the broader landscape of pain management. Though human trials haven’t started yet, early results in animal testing show promise.
With repeated use, opioids like morphine can lead to tolerance, making them less effective without increasing dosages. In contrast, SBI-810 appears to provide pain relief from surgical wounds, fractures, and nerve damage without creating that tolerance or leading to side effects like constipation.
When combined with low doses of opioids, SBI-810 outperformed other treatments like okeridin and gabapentin in certain cases.
The findings were published recently in a scientific journal, and the team led by Ji is now aiming to secure patents for SBI-810 and begin human testing in the near future.
