Pain

Advancing groundbreaking therapies to tackle the challenges of neurodegenerative and rare conditions.

What is Pain?

Pain is a complex and multifaceted experience that serves as the body’s warning system for injury or illness. While acute pain often resolves with treatment, chronic pain can persist for months or years, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life.

On a Deeper Level

Pain is the body’s natural response to potential or actual injury, involving a complex interaction between the nervous system and the brain. Acute pain typically results from injury or illness and serves as a protective mechanism to prevent further harm. However, when pain persists for longer than three months, it is classified as chronic pain, often continuing even after the underlying cause has resolved. Chronic pain is not only physical but also deeply intertwined with emotional and psychological well-being. Conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuropathy, arthritis, and migraines are common causes of chronic pain. It can affect sleep, mood, and the ability to perform daily activities, creating a cycle of discomfort and reduced functionality. Understanding and addressing the underlying mechanisms of pain are essential to providing effective treatment.

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of pain vary widely depending on its source and type. They may include:

Sharp or dull aching sensations: Varying in intensity and location.
Burning or tingling sensations: Often linked to nerve pain or neuropathy.
Stiffness or reduced mobility: Common in joint or muscular pain.
Fatigue and sleep disturbances: Frequently associated with chronic pain.
Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or frustration related to persistent discomfort.

These symptoms can fluctuate, significantly affecting an individual’s physical and emotional well-being.

How many are affected by this condition?

Prevalence

Chronic pain affects an estimated 50 million adults in the United States and over 1.5 billion people worldwide. It is one of the leading causes of disability globally, with significant economic implications due to lost productivity and healthcare costs. Women and older adults are disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for effective and accessible treatments.

Insights and Data

Chronic pain affects 20.4% of adults in the U.S., with 8% experiencing high-impact chronic pain that limits daily activities (CDC, 2024).
The annual economic cost of chronic pain in the U.S. is estimated at $635 billion, surpassing that of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined (NIH, 2024).
Approximately 50% of individuals with chronic pain also suffer from depression or anxiety, underscoring the interconnected nature of physical and mental health.

Our Approach

Anavex’s approach to pain management is rooted in the science of cellular homeostasis. By activating SIGMAR1, our therapies aim to restore balance in the nervous system, reducing the hypersensitivity associated with chronic pain. This mechanism has the potential to alleviate pain while minimizing the side effects often seen with traditional pain medications. Our goal is to deliver targeted, effective, and sustainable solutions for individuals living with pain.

Clinical Progress

Anavex’s therapeutic candidates target the sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1), a key regulator of pain perception and neural signaling. Preclinical studies have shown that SIGMAR1 modulation can reduce inflammation and enhance the nervous system’s ability to manage pain. These findings provide a strong foundation for advancing clinical trials to address various forms of chronic pain.

ANAVEX® 1066

PRECLINICAL

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PHASE 2

PHASE 3

Visceral Pain

Visceral pain originates from the internal organs, often described as deep, aching, or cramping, and is commonly associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or endometriosis.

Acute & Neuropathic Pain

Acute and neuropathic pain are distinct but debilitating types of pain: acute pain arises suddenly due to injury or illness, while neuropathic pain results from nerve damage or dysfunction, often persisting long-term.