Adolore BioTherapeutics Advances Non-Opioid Chronic Pain Therapy

Adolore BioTherapeutics, a pioneering biotechnology company, today announced significant advancements in their research with publication of new findings on their proprietary gene therapy for non-opioid chronic pain management. Published in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, the research details how Adolore’s Carbonic Anhydrase-8 Gene Therapy (rdHSV-CA8) reduces pain-sensing neuronal excitability by targeting Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channels.

The therapy, aimed primarily at treating chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis, utilizes a unique approach by delivering gene therapy directly to pain-sensing peripheral nerves. The potential to replace opioids with a safer, effective alternative for chronic pain represents a significant advancement in medical science. This non-opioid therapy focuses on leveraging the Kv7 channel activation mechanisms, proven effective in several human chronic pain conditions.

Dr. Roy Clifford Levitt, leading the study, explains that increased expression of CA8 induces a prolonged afterhyperpolarization in nociceptors, dampening their activity and reducing pain. With preclinical models already showing promising results, Adolore is pushing forward with IND-enabling studies and anticipates initiating clinical trials by 2026 fully funded by a substantial NIH/NINDS HEAL grant.

Adolore’s research reflects ongoing efforts to advance non-opioid treatments, particularly in an era where opioid overuse presents significant challenges to public health. The outcome of these studies could redefine chronic pain management, offering new hope to millions suffering from painful conditions without the risks associated with opioid therapies.