Ochsner Health highlights innovative non-opioid pain therapy candidate publication

A recent publication in Scientific Reports unveils a potentially groundbreaking non-opioid pain treatment developed by a team led by Dr. Hernan Bazan, the John Ochsner Endowed Professor of Cardiovascular Innovation at Ochsner Health. The study, titled “Transcriptomic Signature, Bioactivity, and Safety of an Analgesic Generating AM404 in the Midbrain PAG Region,” introduces SRP-001, a novel medication in development by South Rampart Pharma, Inc., co-founded by Dr. Bazan.

The research publication delineates the unique biological mechanisms and clinical potential of SRP-001, highlighting its significance in addressing the critical healthcare challenge of safe and effective pain management.

Dr. Bazan said, “This groundbreaking research opens new pathways for understanding pain management and offers a promising avenue for developing more effective treatments. Publication in Scientific Reports underlines the innovative strides our team is making in advancing non-opioid pain management, potentially transforming the field.”

SRP-001 leverages unique biological mechanisms to alleviate pain by activating specific brain networks and enhancing AM404 production in the midbrain’s periaqueductal grey (PAG) area. This mechanism significantly improves pain modulation without the typical side effects associated with traditional pain medications.

Results from the first-in-human Phase 1 trial confirm SRP-001’s safety and tolerability, with promising pharmacokinetic profiles that support its progression to further clinical stages. The FDA granted Fast Track designation to SRP-001 for treating acute pain as of October 2023. SRP-001 is being considered for various pain conditions, including neuropathic, acute, chronic pain, and migraine headaches.  

“As a top academic medical center, Ochsner Health is proud to collaborate with Dr. Bazan and South Rampart Pharma, Inc., on this quest toward non-opioid pain therapy solutions,” said Dr. Leonardo Seoane, chief academic officer of Ochsner Health, and founding dean of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. “Studies and research publications of this caliber highlight our role in shaping future healthcare practices. We are honored to have Dr. Bazan as one of our distinguished faculty at Ochsner Health.  His work in developing effective, safer alternatives to traditional pain therapies is another example of how Ochsner is leading to improve care for our communities.”

SRP-001 emerges as a pioneering non-opioid, non-hepatotoxic pain therapy candidate, providing a viable alternative to ApAP, NSAIDs, and opioids. Its unique mechanism, robust safety profile, and effective pain modulation capabilities position SRP-001 as a promising solution for safer pain treatment. The research underscores the need for continued exploration of SRP-001’s therapeutic potential, paving the way for advancements in pain management strategies.

About the Publication

Bazan HA et al. “Transcriptomic signature, bioactivity and safety of a non-hepatotoxic analgesic generating AM404 in the mid-brain PAG region,” Sci Rep, 14, 11103 (2024).

Co-author disclosures are included in the manuscript. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61791-z

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About Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health is the leading not-for-profit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 12 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for three consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and connection not found anywhere else in the region. In 2023, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.5 million people from every state in the nation and 65 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 38,000 dedicated team members and over 4,700 employed and affiliated physicians. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.