State of Addiction: Nanomedicine developed at Duquesne University to treat chronic pain, reduce need for opioids

An inflammatory pain nanomedicine created by Dr. Jelena Janjic at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy could significantly reduce the need for opioids to treat pain.Instead of current pain medicine that travels through the body, the new approach allows a drug to be delivered straight to the injured area with an amount specific to the patient and the pain.Nanomedicines carry 2,000 times less medicine than a typical dose, which could reduce the need for opioids in treating pain from injuries, surgeries or even cancer."Our approach is in direct response to the opioid crisis. However, our work actually started about seven years ago, and it was inspired by my own life," Janjic said. "I lived as a chronic pain patient for a couple of years, and I have looked for alternatives to opioids. Opioids are very good for acute states, not very good for chronic use."Tap the video player above to watch the full report by @JanelleHallWTAE.

PITTSBURGH —

An inflammatory pain nanomedicine created by Dr. Jelena Janjic at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy could significantly reduce the need for opioids to treat pain.

Instead of current pain medicine that travels through the body, the new approach allows a drug to be delivered straight to the injured area with an amount specific to the patient and the pain.

Nanomedicines carry 2,000 times less medicine than a typical dose, which could reduce the need for opioids in treating pain from injuries, surgeries or even cancer.

"Our approach is in direct response to the opioid crisis. However, our work actually started about seven years ago, and it was inspired by my own life," Janjic said. "I lived as a chronic pain patient for a couple of years, and I have looked for alternatives to opioids. Opioids are very good for acute states, not very good for chronic use."

Tap the video player above to watch the full report by @JanelleHallWTAE.