It is estimated that one in seven people in the UK suffer from chronic pain, and the event focused on the latest pharmacology and imaging technology initiatives in chronic and acute pain relief
The first London Technology Network event to tackle the field of pain management was held last Wednesday 27 September, with more than 70 representatives from academia and industry meeting at the Royal Society of Medicine.
It is estimated that one in seven people in the UK suffer from chronic pain, and the event focused on the latest pharmacology and imaging technology initiatives in chronic and acute pain relief.
Representatives from Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor and Gamble networked with top level researchers from universities across London and the south-east of England, including Imperial College London, Queen Mary and the University of Surrey.
11 displays of the latest innovations were on show, from universities across London and the South-East.
Ambily Banerjee of University College London presented new work from her department on neonatal pain and the neurobiology of pain and addiction.
Oxford University's Jan Schnupp showcased advancements in imaging neuropathology in animal models, as well as innovations in molecular and pharmacological imaging.
Work from the School of Pharmacy on the latest in pain and inflammation research was also on display.
Prior to the networking session guest speakers set the scene, presenting on the state of current research and the latest challenges in the field.
John Wood, professor of molecular neurobiology at University College London chaired the event, and introduced the session by acknowledging the limitations of current drug treatments and outlining some exciting new developments.
GlaxoSmithKline's Chas Bountra spoke on the importance of innovation and partnership in the development of novel analgesics, while Terry Smith of Cenes addressed advances in pain management through the redevelopment of old drugs.
Finally, Professor Irene Tracey of the University of Oxford spoke on the fundamental importance of imaging in future advancements in pain management.
Rod Hafner, chief operating officer of OptiNose UK, said the event provided an excellent insight into the area of pain management.
"I thought the speakers were excellent at conveying a complex area very succinctly, and the event showed how leading UK research was helping to solve some of the problems for the future," Hafner said.
The next London Technology Network event will be held on 18 October on novel traceability and tagging technologies.
