Problems with Developments of Breakthrough Analgesics: Recent History via Scientometric Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Pain Research
• Scientometrics

Background:

• Evaluated 13 molecular targets for pain drug discovery (1982-2016).
• Assessed research efforts using scientometrics and FDA-approved analgesic outcomes.

Observation:

• New analgesics developed, some with novel mechanisms, but showed limited clinical superiority.
• Consistent growth in publications across all topics, irrespective of analgesic development success.
• NIH funding did not significantly improve prediction of successful analgesic discovery.

Findings:

• Research efforts did not yield breakthrough analgesics to replace opioids or NSAIDs.
• Approved drugs and candidates possess narrow action spectra and modest effectiveness.

Implications:

• Orthodox research and funding strategies may hinder the development of breakthrough analgesics.
• Need for paradigm shifts in pain research and drug discovery to address unmet clinical needs.