Perth-based research and development company NeuroDiscovery Ltd is set to launch two clinical trials on new chronic pain relievers.
Called NSL-101, the product is based on a traditional medicine from South America that has a long history of safe and effective use. It is a plant extract that works primarily as an analgesic, but also has antibacterial properties.
NSL-101 will likely be incorporated into a number of new and existing over-the-counter products and as a result, is expected to reach the market relatively quickly.
NeuroDiscovery's other pharmaceutical product, which it is testing in collaboration with Japanese biopharmaceutical company Sosei Group Corporation, specifically targets neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain refers to pain related to peripheral or central nervous system injury and can persist for months or years after the initial insult. The condition has a poor prognosis and is a significant cause of morbidity.
Known as NSL-043, it is currently in the first phase of human safety testing, but has shown promise in pre-clinical models of neuropathic pain, where it completely inhibits "ectopic discharges".
An ectopic discharge is a spontaneous burst of activity from a damaged nerve cell, that is thought to be a significant underlying cause of neuropathic pain.
NeuroDiscovery Ltd is hopeful that in future, NSL-043 will alleviate the suffering of the approximately 3.2 million Australians who experience chronic pain.
The neuropathic pain market is forecast to reach US$5.5 billion by 2010.
