A Safer, Smarter Way to Manage Cancer-Related Nerve Pain
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain (CIPNP) affects nearly 50% of cancer patients treated with drugs like Taxol®, platinum analogs, and vinca alkaloids. This nerve pain can be debilitating, often forcing patients to reduce or stop life-saving chemotherapy. Current therapies such as opioids and antidepressants (like Cymbalta®) offer limited relief and come with serious side effects including sedation, addiction, and suicidal ideation.
The Unmet Need
The $5.2 billion global neuropathic pain market is dominated by drugs that often fail to provide lasting relief. CIPNP accounts for more than 40% of this market, yet there are few effective, non-opioid solutions. Patients and clinicians urgently need new therapies that are both safe and effective.
Our Solution: Nanoencapsulated CBD
Aphios is developing a next-generation therapeutic: oral and injectable sustained-release cannabidiol (CBD) delivered via our patented SuperFluids™ Polymer Nanospheres (SFS-PNS) technology. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. In preclinical studies, it has shown promise in preventing and reversing CIPNP without affecting chemotherapy outcomes.
Why Our Approach Works
Traditional CBD formulations suffer from poor bioavailability (~6%) due to first-pass metabolism and acid degradation. Our hydrophobic PLGA nanoparticles shield CBD from the digestive system and liver, delivering more of the active ingredient to where it’s needed. The result: improved absorption (>30%), sustained relief, and dramatically reduced dosing requirements.
Technology Advantage
Our SFS-PNS process uses supercritical CO2 instead of toxic organic solvents, producing a clean, sterile product. This single-step manufacturing process is scalable, environmentally friendly, and avoids the regulatory hurdles associated with solvent residues.
Clinical Impact
- Non-opioid, sustained pain relief for CIPNP
- Once-daily oral pill or once-monthly subcutaneous injection
- Enhanced patient compliance and quality of life
- Reduced risk of addiction and side effects
Beyond CIPNP
Our platform technology has potential applications across other neuropathic conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain disorders.
Join Us
We are advancing toward Phase II clinical development and seeking partners, investors, and collaborators who share our vision for a non-opioid future in pain management.
Contact Us
Learn more at www.aphios.com or email us at info@aphios.com.