Virpax Pharmaceuticals extends collaboration with NIH for pain management drug development

Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRPX), a company focused on innovative pharmaceutical solutions for pain management, announced the extension of its cooperative research and development agreement with the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This partnership supports the continued development of NES100, an intranasal peptide product designed to manage acute and chronic non-cancer pain.

NES100 represents a novel approach in pain management, utilising enkephalin, a naturally occurring peptide, delivered through an advanced nanotechnology system. Enkephalin, known for its pain-relieving properties, has historically been challenging to administer due to its metabolic instability. NES100 addresses this limitation by using Molecular Envelope Technology (MET), a proprietary delivery system that facilitates the transport of the drug along the olfactory nerve pathway directly to the brain.

This innovative delivery method uses a preassembled nasal device to propel the enkephalin formulation to its target, bypassing traditional barriers to brain delivery. By binding to delta opioid receptors, NES100 aims to provide rapid pain relief while avoiding the addictive and harmful side effects typically associated with opioids, such as respiratory depression, withdrawal symptoms, and tolerance. Preclinical animal studies have shown promising results, demonstrating significant analgesic effects without the risks linked to conventional opioids.

Jatinder Dhaliwal, Chief Executive Officer of Virpax, expressed optimism about the extended collaboration, highlighting the importance of the NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative in advancing safer pain management alternatives. Dhaliwal noted that the continued partnership would allow Virpax to sustain its momentum in both preclinical and clinical development phases, ultimately aiming to create a safer, non-addictive option for patients suffering from pain.

The collaboration with NCATS underscores Virpax’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis by providing innovative treatments that reduce dependence on traditional opioid-based painkillers. NES100’s potential to fill this critical gap in pain management aligns with broader public health goals to combat addiction while delivering effective care for patients experiencing acute and chronic pain.