Nanomedicines offer targeted, sustained relief for chronic pain by modulating peripheral and central pathways

Managing chronic pain (CP) remains a significant clinical challenge due to its multifactorial nature and the frequent inadequacy of conventional analgesics. These traditional treatments often lead to adverse effects, drug tolerance, and limited long-term efficacy, leaving many patients without adequate relief. Recent advancements in nanomedicine present a promising avenue, introducing versatile drug delivery systems (DDSs) designed to provide targeted, sustained, and biocompatible analgesia. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of systemic drug administration by precisely modulating specific pain pathways.

This narrative review synthesized recent advances in nanomedicine for chronic pain relief and management, examining diverse nanoplatforms. The authors explored the therapeutic potential of various systems, including nanofibers, hydrogels, liposomes, viral and non-viral vectors, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The review focused on how these nanocarriers modulate both peripheral and central pain pathways, highlighting emerging strategies such as CRISPR-mediated modulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging nanomaterials, and self-assembled peptide systems for precision pain management.

The review identified several nanoplatforms demonstrating therapeutic potential for chronic pain. Topical nanofiber-based systems were noted for their enhanced drug loading capacity, controlled release kinetics, and regenerative properties. Injectable nanocarriers, such as liposomes and hydrogels, were highlighted for enabling prolonged analgesic effects while simultaneously reducing systemic toxicity. Emerging strategies further expand the scope of precision pain management: > CRISPR-mediated modulation, ROS-scavenging nanomaterials, and self-assembled peptide systems offer sustained and stimulus-responsive drug delivery. The integration of synthetic nanocarriers with natural therapeutic agents was also emphasized as a promising approach for optimizing analgesic efficacy by leveraging synergistic effects and improving bioavailability.