Roanoke pharmaceutical company to sell medications for chronic pain

Roanoke, Virginia – A pharmaceutical firm established in Roanoke, Chorda Pharma, is collaborating with Carilion Clinic to develop, test, and sell non-opioid medications to treat chronic pain.

Rick Carliss formed Chorda Pharma to address the rising incidence of diabetic neuropathy, sports injuries, arthritis and other diseases among people who need long-term pain relief treatment. 54 million people are affected by arthritis, as leading cause of disability in USA.

Common prescription medicines, such as corticosteroids, and OTC therapies, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines and acetaminophen, are not regarded safe for long-term pain treatment. Chorda Pharma’s initial analgesic medication is a topical cream available over the counter. Carilion Clinic will run clinical trials to establish the unique drug’s tolerance. The medicine will be available in early 2022 if the tests are successful.

Finding safe alternatives to existing OTC and prescription-based pain medications, such as opioids, is a top focus for the industry. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, opioid pain reliever addiction has contributed to a nationwide public health epidemic, with 10 million individuals abusing prescription opioids in the last year and over 70,000 drug overdose deaths.