This November, the U.S. Pain Foundation has dedicated its efforts to helping people get to #knowDPN. Through our KNOWvember campaign, we’ve explored diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in-depth—from understanding and preventing diabetic nerve pain to sharing treatment options and effective foot care tips.

A highlight of the month was an engaging webinar by Priyanka Singla, MD, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, who provided a comprehensive overview of DPN, including symptoms and treatment approaches. One striking point from her talk was the revelation that while a variety of treatments are used off-label for DPN, only five treatments are currently FDA-approved for the condition. This raised significant interest within our community, sparking further conversations about these treatments and the potential breakthroughs on the horizon.

To dive deeper into what’s next for DPN, we connected with Richard Towne, PharmD, RPh, Principal Clinical Strategist at Antidote, a digital platform linking patients to clinical trials. Towne shares that as of this November, there are 19 active DPN clinical trials currently recruiting in the U.S., with three more preparing to launch.

Breaking Barriers in Clinical Trials

What are the challenges in recruiting participants for DPN trials? Towne notes strict eligibility criteria, such as specific pain scores and medication or comorbidity requirements, which often exclude many potential participants and are particularly stringent when compared to the overall population that later could receive the treatment.

Lack of awareness also plays a role, with many patients who would be eligible to participate in research unaware that clinical trials could be a viable option for them. Geographic and logistical barriers—such as limited trial site access, transportation issues, or the inability to commit time to participating in a trial—further complicate participation.

Additionally, there is “historical mistrust in certain communities regarding clinical trials,” Towne shares.

Addressing these challenges requires increased awareness, accessibility, and efforts to rebuild trust in the clinical trial process.

New Treatment Options in the Pipeline

Exciting advancements are underway in DPN treatment research. Non-opioid pain medications such as a selective inhibitor of NaV1.8,  an SSTR4 agonist, and an AAK1 inhibitor (all of which work to block neuropathic pain signals); gene therapies; and cutting-edge spinal cord stimulation devices are reshaping the landscape of DPN care.

For those struggling with DPN, the future holds promise.

“These new treatments aim to provide more effective and personalized pain relief, addressing both symptoms and underlying disease mechanisms, and thereby offering renewed hope to individuals affected by DPN—especially individuals that have not benefited from the currently available standard-of-care treatment,” Towne explains.

Hope on the Horizon

Towne is optimistic about the evolution of DPN research as surgical and non-surgical treatments become more effective and personalized for individuals at every stage of the disease. The goal is not only to improve symptom management but also to slow disease progression and offer holistic, patient-centered care.

“The standard of care will continue to improve for patients with DPN across a variety of severities, aiming to reduce the progression of the disease and improve quality of life,” Towne states.

This KNOWvember, we’re reminded of the importance of staying informed and hopeful. By exploring new research and embracing advancements, we continue to work toward a brighter future for those affected by DPN.

Our 2024 KNOWvember campaign is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, Averitas and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

The U.S. Pain Foundation independently developed the content without review from its sponsors. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be used as a substitute for advice from a health care professional.

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