Making Opioids a Last Resort

Pain is one of medicine’s most common complaints, yet finding effective alternatives to opioids has proved remarkably difficult. Latigo Biotherapeutics is developing experimental medicines that target NaV1.8, a sodium channel involved in transmitting pain signals through peripheral nerves, with the goal of relieving pain without the addiction risk and other side effects associated with opioids. We spoke with Nima Farzan, CEO of Latigo, about the science behind the company’s approach to treating pain, what its clinical results suggest about the potential to reduce opioid use after surgery, and what clinicians and insurers will need to see beyond regulatory approval.