Papers of the Week

Effective pain management has long been hindered by the limitations and risks associated with opioid analgesics, necessitating the exploration of novel, non-opioid alternatives. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar during October and November 2024 to identify studies on emerging non-opioid pain management therapeutics. This review evaluates three promising classes of mechanism-specific therapeutics: nerve growth factor (NGF) monoclonal antibodies, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonists, and selective sodium channel blockers. By targeting distinct pathways involved in pain sensation, these therapies aim to provide relief for various pain types, including chronic, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain, with potentially fewer side effects. Through a detailed analysis of their mechanisms of action and current evidence, this review highlights the clinical potential of each class, addressing both their efficacy and safety challenges. Ultimately, these emerging therapies represent significant advancements in non-opioid pain management, with the potential to reshape standard approaches to patient care.