Groundbreaking Trials for Chronic Pain Launch in Ireland

A consortium of MedTech and digital healthcare companies, alongside university researchers, has initiated pioneering clinical trials aimed at providing long-term relief for individuals suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. This innovative project represents a significant advancement in pain management, with implications for how chronic pain is treated globally.

The partnership, which includes CrannMed, Salaso Health Solutions, the University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials, and the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, has received a substantial investment of €6.6 million from the Irish government. This funding, announced by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, comes as part of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, aimed at fostering innovative solutions in healthcare.

Innovative Approach to Pain Management

The clinical trials, collectively known as the RECAP project—standing for Resorbable Embolization for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain—will explore the effectiveness of combining two complementary technologies designed to enhance patient outcomes. Under the trial framework, participants will benefit from a cutting-edge pain treatment developed by CrannMed, coupled with a structured recovery program created by Salaso, supported by clinical specialists.

In the first trial phase, patients will receive an injection that selectively blocks blood flow to the affected area. This procedure aims to reduce inflammation and disrupt the nerve endings that contribute to pain. Following this, patients will undergo a structured recovery process to build strength and improve the resilience of their musculoskeletal tissues.

The second trial will leverage an AI-enabled self-management platform, providing real-time support to patients as they progress in their recovery. This dual approach not only targets immediate pain relief but also emphasizes long-term recovery and resilience.

Potential to Transform Pain Treatment

The consortium intends to utilize these trials to develop new imaging techniques, innovative trial designs, and advanced pain measurement methodologies. These advancements are critical for integrating the solutions into mainstream healthcare systems.

Liam Farrissey, Chief Executive Officer of CrannMed, described the collaboration as a rewarding opportunity to assemble a high-quality consortium from within the Irish ecosystem. “The consortium covers development, manufacture, clinical validation, and AI-enabled patient engagement,” he stated. “An exciting benefit is that we will be able to offer our treatment to Irish patients much earlier than would otherwise be possible.”

Aoife Ní Mhuirí, CEO of Salaso, highlighted the benefits of localized treatment and recovery, which can save time and resources for both patients and the healthcare system. “The approach is more sustainable, more accessible for patients, and has the potential to set a new global standard for pain management,” she asserted.

Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at the University of Galway, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to revolutionize treatment for chronic joint and muscle pain. “The innovative treatment and clinical trial will enable patients to achieve effective, long-term pain relief without surgery or addictive drugs,” she remarked.

The Institute for Clinical Trials plays a pivotal role in the RECAP project, focusing on clinical trial leadership, innovation in trial design, and overall coordination of the clinical trial program funded by the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.

The consortium believes that the combined benefits of these new treatments and technologies could significantly outperform current standards of care, such as steroid injections, which are typically used to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.

This groundbreaking initiative not only promises to enhance patient care in Ireland but also sets the stage for potential global changes in chronic pain management. As researchers and clinicians move forward, the implications of their findings could resonate across healthcare systems worldwide.