Virpax Pharmaceuticals announced positive results from a U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) study on Probudur™, a non-addictive post-operative pain management drug. The study, conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), confirmed Probudur’s effectiveness in reducing pain in a rat model, mirroring earlier findings. The research focused on comparing various Probudur concentrations against free bupivacaine and EXPAREL®, demonstrating Probudur’s efficacy in reducing incision-induced pain behaviors.
This successful study is a critical step toward validating Probudur as a viable alternative to opioids for post-surgical pain. The military’s involvement highlights the potential for Probudur to address a significant unmet need in managing pain, particularly within combat casualty care, where rapid and effective pain relief is paramount. The confirmation of previous findings strengthens Virpax’s position in developing non-opioid pain solutions, a crucial area of focus given the ongoing opioid crisis.
Probudur, a local anesthetic, utilizes a liposomal bupivacaine formulation for sustained pain relief. Preclinical data suggests efficacy for up to five days in the rat model and up to six days in in vitro studies. The study directly compared Probudur’s performance to existing treatments, providing valuable data for future clinical development.
These positive results propel Probudur closer to potential FDA approval and commercialization, offering a promising new option for post-operative pain management. The collaboration with USAISR lends further credibility to the drug’s potential, especially in addressing the critical need for effective, non-addictive pain relief in various settings, including military applications. This progress reinforces Virpax’s commitment to developing non-addictive pain therapies, potentially reshaping the landscape of post-surgical pain care and contributing to broader efforts in combating opioid dependence.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
