<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2bLsoQ_0wPfFoc600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2bLsoQ_0wPfFoc600" width="800" height="600" >Two orthopedic surgery professors at Storrs-based University of Connecticut are seeking new strategies for pain management in patients. Lakshmi Nair, MD, and Yusuf Khan, MD, have been working for the last two decades to minimize the use of opioid medications in post-surgical patients through therapeutic techniques, according to an Oct. 27 report from the Stamford Advocate.The duo now hopes to bring their research on the effectiveness of local anesthesia and reducing patient pain without impacting mobility into clinical trials through their startup, Soleia Biosciences. Opioids pose a dependency risk for patients if they are used for long periods to treat postoperative pain or chronic conditions. Moreover, the medications have adverse side effects, including grogginess and dizziness.Currently, local anesthesia is not useful for pain in patients following significant surgeries, or for treating chronic pain since it only works for an average of two to 12 hours. Dr. Nair and Dr. Khan are working on extending the length of efficacy of a local anesthetic for long-term pain relief. In a preclinical trial, their formulation has been shown in studies to reduce or relieve pain for over three weeks. At the same time, the pain relief does not have a prolonged numbing effect, allowing patients to remain fairly mobile. Though the preclinical trials with animals have been successful, there are still several steps that must be taken until patients will have access to the formulation.Importantly, the researchers need financial support. To that end, they launched Soleia Biosciences to bring Nair's formulation to clinical trials. In March, the company earned $30,000 after winning the annual Wolff New Venture Competition. The professors plan to use the funds to connect with experts who can help initiate clinical trials. </div></body>

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2 orthopedic surgeons launch new startup to minimize patient pain

Two orthopedic surgery professors at Storrs-based University of Connecticut are seeking new strategies for pain management in patients. Lakshmi Nair, MD, and Yusuf Khan, MD, have been working for the last two decades to minimize the use of opioid medications in post-surgical patients through therapeutic techniques, according to an Oct. 27 report from the Stamford Advocate.