VER-01 for managing chronic low back pain

VER-01 is in clinical development for management of chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain typically lasts three months or more. It is a multifactorial condition influenced by physical, psychological and social risk factors including obesity, physical inactivity, heavy lifting, sleep disturbance, and stress or depression. Current treatments for low back pain mainly include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and opioids. However, NSAIDs are not suitable for longterm use due to severe side effects, including gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, as well as an increased risk for cardiovascular events. For patients who require long-term analgesic (painkiller) treatment, opioids are frequently used but are associated with serious side effects, including constipation, physical dependence, addiction, and potentially fatal overdoses.