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Opsin Biotherapeutics Inc., a joint venture between DesignPlex Biomedical and Nanoscope Technologies, has achieved a milestone in the realm of chronic pain management.
The company has been granted a Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The grant, totaling more than $327,800, will be allocated toward the advancement of a project called “Optogenetic Pain Modulator for non-opioid chronic pain management,” with medical doctor Darryl Narcisse serving in the role of principal investigator.
The primary objective of the Phase 1 grant is to propel the study and development of a novel nonviral gene delivery system for optogenetic neuromodulation of the spine, an innovative solution to tackle severe chronic pain without resorting to opioid-based medications.
“This is a completely disruptive therapy,” said CEO Bob Benkowski in a statement. “We are encouraged by the NIH's recognition of the potential of optogenetics to revolutionize spinal cord stimulation and the field of pain management."
Opsin Biotherapeutics, a member of TechFW, is headquartered in Bedford, though it conducts additional research and development activities in Arlington and Fort Worth.
The therapy's mechanism revolves around transforming pain-blocking neurons in the spinal cord into photoreceptors, similar to the photoreceptor cells in the human eye. This transformation enables the activation of these neurons using a simple LED light. The process involves delivering light-sensitive proteins to the neurons through functionalized gold nanorods, coupled with low-power laser light that only activates the neurons responsible for blocking pain.
This specificity sets it apart from traditional electrical stimulation methods, which affect all neurons in the vicinity, including those responsible for transmitting pain signals.
Opsin Biotherapeutics' pioneering therapy offers a transformative alternative to electrical spinal cord stimulation, extending hope to millions of individuals suffering from chronic pain with limited or no viable treatment options.
Over the next six months, the company will focus its efforts on finalizing the surgical approach and regulatory pathway to ensure the seamless implementation of the therapy.