UK: A groundbreaking study led by Professor Nikita Gamper of the University of Leeds’ School of Biomedical Sciences has opened new possibilities for chronic pain treatment, offering hope for patients seeking alternatives to opioids.
The research, in collaboration with Professor Xiaona Du of Hebei Medical University, discovered that the body can produce its own “sleeping pills,” similar to benzodiazepines, which could dull pain signals without the risks of addictive opioids like morphine or fentanyl. These findings build on earlier work by the team and suggest a potential shift in pain management.
Professor Gamper explained, “Despite our understanding of pain, opioids remain the primary treatment. However, they are dangerous and addictive, while alternatives like ibuprofen are ineffective for severe or neuropathic pain.”
The team’s research reveals that certain cells in the spinal ganglia can release peptides that work similarly to benzodiazepines, targeting only the peripheral nervous system. This means they could potentially reduce pain without affecting the entire nervous system, unlike opioids.
Dr. Ganesan Baranidharan, a pain management consultant in Leeds, welcomed the findings, noting that chronic pain remains a major issue in healthcare. He stressed the need for safer, more effective treatments, as long-term opioid use can lead to memory loss and other side effects. “Our patients will benefit from continued research into these new medications,” he said.
Published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, the study offers new hope to the millions worldwide suffering from chronic pain. Dr. Temugin Berta from Cincinnati, who works with the NIH HEAL initiative, emphasized the challenge of finding effective pain relief for the over half of chronic pain sufferers who struggle to manage their condition.
Professor Gamper, motivated by seeing a family member suffer from neuropathic pain, remains driven by the potential to alleviate human suffering. “The ability to relieve pain drives you, not curiosity,” he said.
The team’s collaborative research has been recognized with a £3.5 million grant from the Medical Research Council and the pharmaceutical industry to explore further pain management options. A new study, set to begin in January 2025, will delve deeper into the findings and investigate the role of spinal ganglia and the potential of “benzo” peptides in treating neuropathic pain.
