One of the great challenges in modern academic medicine is the area of translational research. This is the step in between a breakthrough in basic science research on the one side, and the development of safe and effective treatments (be they pharmaceuticals, devices, or methods of care) on the other side. The challenge of moving from the proverbial “bench to bedside” can be a daunting one, especially given current economic reality. Helping Weill Cornell’s researchers develop basic science breakthroughs into workable projects that can attract partnerships from industry is the mission behind a new initiative at Weill Cornell Medical College, the Daedalus Fund for Innovation.
Announced by Laurie H. Glimcher, M.D., the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College, in February 2014, the Daedalus Fund “is designed to advance promising, early-stage applied and translational research projects that have commercial potential” to the point where researchers can demonstrate “proof-of-concept” to outside investors and partners.
Weill Cornell Anesthesiology is proud to announce that Peter Goldstein, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology, Associate Professor of Medical Ethics, and Faculty Member, Neuroscience Graduate Program, is one of the most recent recipients of a Daedalus Fund award, which will begin on Sept. 1 of this year. Dr. Goldstein’s project, “Development of Novel Non-Opioid Anti-Hyperalgesics for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain” will be performed in collaboration with his colleague Anthony Sauve, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacology, WCMC. In the US alone, at least 116 million adults suffer from chronic pain; neuropathic pain (chronic pain associated with aberrant activity in the central and/or peripheral nervous system) accounts for 18% of patients with chronic pain, and can have its origins in a variety of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, HIV infection, cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy, diabetes, and trauma, among others. Despite limited efficacy, opioid pain relievers are routinely prescribed for chronic pain, but there are substantial risks involved with such therapy. Moreover, neuropathic pain is often refractory to this, and other, treatments. Thus, there is a critical need for new, safe and effective, non-opioid anti-hyperalgesics. The aim of Dr. Goldstein’s current research is to develop non-opiate based pain relievers that can be used to treat neuropathic pain resulting from pathologic activity in the peripheral nervous system. Support from the Weill Cornell Daedalus Fund for Innovation will help him and his colleagues move forward toward reaching this important goal.