Startup Regulonix pursues non-opioid pain drug that indirectly blocks a key ion channel

The NaV1.7 ion channel is expressed in some neurons and plays a critical role in sensing pain, making it a popular target for scientists developing novel pain therapies. But suppressing NaV1.7 head-on has proven tricky. So researchers at the University of Arizona are pursuing an alternate strategy: They're blocking the sodium channel indirectly through two related proteins.