Vertanical, a German pharma company, has developed VER-01, a cannabis-derived painkiller shown to reduce chronic back pain and improve sleep without causing addiction or intoxication. In a trial with 800 patients, side effects were minimal. The company seeks approval to market the drug as Exilby in the UK and Europe as a safer alternative to opioids.

A recent study by the University of New South Wales and Neuroscience Research Australia explored the impact of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) on chronic pain management. Involving 89 participants over nine weeks, the online DBT program focused on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.

A clinical trial found that crisugabalin (HSK16149) significantly reduced daily pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Both 40 mg and 80 mg doses outperformed placebo, with over 50% of patients achieving meaningful pain relief. The drug was well-tolerated, suggesting it’s a promising treatment option.