Oblique Therapeutics has developed high affinity, stimuli-selective antibodies against the pain receptor TRPV1 in order to maximize pain relief and circumvent side effects. This asset is currently partnered with a top-20 pharma company. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is an ion channel that has a central role in peripheral nociception and neurogenic inflammation. As a potential target for next generation pain therapies, TRPV1 is one of the most investigated candidates in the field. Clinical studies with small molecule TRPV1 antagonists have shown promising analgesic effects, but due to temperature-related side effects many development programs have been discontinued.
Defined as an unpleasant sensation associated with the injury of tissue, the concept of pain covers a broad and multifaceted spectrum of chronic and acute conditions. While instances of minor pain are successfully managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, severe challenges arise in the treatment of chronic pain. About 10-20% of the world population is estimated to suffer from chronic pain and where many patients don’t experience sufficient pain relief. This leads to a lower quality of life for the individual and a tremendous socioeconomic burden for society. The lack of efficient and safe treatments is the leading cause of the ongoing opioid epidemic with the overuse and abuse of opioids and resulting deaths. With regulatory agencies and nations eager to curb opioid abuse, there is a significant interest in new, safe solutions for managing severe pain.
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