- In April 2025, researchers from Virginia Tech demonstrated that non-invasive trans-spinal focused ultrasound (tsFUS) can significantly reduce pain sensitivity and neuroinflammation in spinal cord injury models. The short 3-minute therapy sessions delivered over 3 days provided relief lasting several weeks without the use of medications or surgery, highlighting a promising direction for non-pharmacologic pain management
- In March 2025, the journal The Lancet Neurology published updated global clinical guidelines for neuropathic pain treatment, reaffirming the use of α2δ ligands (pregabalin, gabapentin), SNRIs (duloxetine), and TCAs (amitriptyline) as first-line therapies. It also emphasized the limited efficacy of opioids and the need for multimodal treatment strategies
- In January 2025, the FDA approved Suzetrigine (Journavx) by Vertex Pharmaceuticals as the first non-opioid analgesic in over 20 years for acute pain. While primarily targeting acute postoperative pain, further studies are ongoing to assess its potential in treating chronic neuropathic conditions
- In February 2025, Haisco Pharmaceutical Group expanded its clinical development of Crisugabalin (HSK16149), a next-generation GABA analog, across the U.S. and Europe after securing regulatory approval in China for diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia in 2024
- In March 2025, researchers from UNSW Sydney launched PainWaive, a digital neurofeedback app paired with a brain-reading headset designed to help patients self-regulate brain activity associated with chronic pain. Early studies showed improvements in quality of life and pain perception, suggesting a future in drug-free, home-based therapies
- In June 2025, the upcoming 9th International Congress on Neuropathic Pain (NeuPSIG 2025) in Berlin is expected to showcase major advancements in neuromodulation, AI-based diagnostics, and non-opioid therapies, reinforcing the growing shift toward personalized and technology-driven pain management
