Biologics: the next generation of analgesic drugs?

For many decades, there have been few novel therapies for pain, and the number of promising targets that have been genuinely validated in the clinic is small. Discovery and development of biologic therapies for analgesia provides a better opportunity to test such targets, potentially providing new and effective therapies. Biologics have revolutionised the treatment of many diseases, with the greatest advances seen in oncology and inflammatory disorders. Across a broad spectrum of severe, chronic pain disorders – including inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain and cancer pain – biologics could offer patients safer and more-effective alternatives to currently available treatments. As such, progression of large-molecule therapies is becoming a strategic priority for companies as they look to advance their portfolios.