Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. has licensed exclusive worldwide rights to TNX-4900 (formerly PW-507) from Rutgers University. TNX-4900 is a highly selective, small-molecule sigma-1 receptor (S1R) antagonist, which has demonstrated analgesic activity in multiple models of neuropathic pain.

A recent study published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology has uncovered a promising new approach to prevent post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN) development by targeting the advanced glycation end-products receptor (RAGE).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat inflammatory pain, but they can have severe side effects, including potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal, renal and cardiac toxicity. Their analgesic effect is driven by inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis and subsequent inflammation, but this inhibitory effect on inflammation could delay pain resolution. An optimal approach to managing PG-mediated pain would selectively relieve pain while preserving the PGs’ essential inflammatory and protective functions.

The U.S. FDA issued new guidance for the development of non-opioid analgesics for chronic pain indications, with specific details on trial design, patient populations and meaningful outcomes, including reducing the nation’s reliance on opioids.

Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. has released preclinical results for BMB‑201, a selective 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist, in a validated isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) rat model of vascular headache. BMB-201 is designed to harness the analgesic potential of serotonin modulation without the hallucinogenic effects commonly associated with 5-HT2A activation.