Lateral Pharma Highlights New Therapeutic Target for Neuropathic Pain in Published Research

Study Published in PAIN Journal Identifies LanCL1 as a Potential Target for Chronic Nerve Pain Treatment

Lateral Pharma has announced the publication of new peer-reviewed research in PAIN, one of the world's leading journals focused on pain research. The study identifies Lanthionine Synthetase C-Like Protein 1 (LanCL1) as a promising new therapeutic target for neuropathic pain and demonstrates that the company's Stressed Cell Protectant (SCP) drug platform may work through this pathway.

The research provides new scientific evidence that could help support the development of future treatments for chronic nerve pain, a condition that continues to affect millions of people worldwide.

Research Reveals How LAT8881 Works

The publication, titled “Lanthionine synthetase C-like protein 1 (LanCL1): a therapeutic target for neuropathic pain,” examined the biological mechanisms involved in neuropathic pain.

According to the findings, LAT8881, Lateral Pharma’s first-generation SCP peptide, acts through the LanCL1 pathway. The study offers new insights into how this protein may help regulate cellular responses linked to nerve damage and chronic pain.

By identifying LanCL1 as a therapeutic target, researchers believe there may be opportunities to develop a completely new approach to treating neuropathic pain.

Why Neuropathic Pain Remains a Major Challenge

Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves become damaged or dysfunctional. It is commonly associated with conditions such as:

• Diabetes

• Physical injuries

• Chemotherapy treatments

• Certain viral infections

The condition affects hundreds of millions of people globally and can significantly impact quality of life.

Despite the availability of several treatment options, many patients continue to struggle with pain management. Existing therapies often fail to provide sufficient relief, while some are associated with side effects that limit long-term use.

As a result, there remains a strong need for new therapies that target the underlying causes of neuropathic pain more effectively.

Company Sees Strong Validation for Its Drug Platform

David Kenley, Chief Executive Officer of Lateral Pharma, described the publication as an important achievement for both pain research and the company’s development strategy.

He noted that chronic neuropathic pain affects approximately 10% of the population and remains one of the most challenging pain conditions to treat.

According to Kenley, the identification of LanCL1 as a new therapeutic target and the demonstration of drug activity through this pathway provide strong scientific support for Lateral Pharma’s SCP platform. The findings also strengthen the company's efforts to develop treatments for conditions where significant unmet medical needs still exist.

Findings Align with Earlier Clinical Results

The newly published research also supports observations from Lateral Pharma’s Phase 1b clinical trial involving patients with chronic lumbar radicular pain, commonly known as sciatica.

In that study, LAT8881 demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Researchers also observed clinically meaningful reductions in provoked pain among participants.

The company believes the combination of preclinical and clinical evidence further supports continued development of SCP-based therapies for neuropathic pain and other medical conditions.

Collaboration Across Multiple Research Institutions

The study was conducted through a collaboration involving researchers from several academic and industry organizations, including:

• Monash University

• University of Warwick

• University of Bristol

• Pacific Discovery Services

• Evotec

• Lateral Pharma

The publication is now available online through PAIN and contributes to the growing body of research focused on understanding the biological mechanisms behind chronic pain disorders.

Lateral Pharma’s Focus on Stressed Cell Protectant Therapies

Lateral Pharma is an Australian biotechnology company developing a new class of medicines based on activating LanCL pathways involved in cellular protection, repair, and recovery.

The company’s research programs are focused on several therapeutic areas, including:

• Neuropathic pain

• Neurological disorders

• Infectious respiratory diseases

• Healthy longevity and age-related conditions

Through its SCP platform, the company aims to develop therapies that address diseases where current treatment options remain limited or inadequate.

Publication Details

The research paper was published as:

Spanswick DC et al. "Lanthionine synthetase C-like protein 1 (LanCL1): a therapeutic target for neuropathic pain." PAIN. 2026.

The publication provides new evidence supporting LanCL1 as a potential therapeutic target and highlights the role of LAT8881 in modulating pathways associated with neuropathic pain.

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