A recent preclinical study led by researchers at McGill University has identified two promising drug candidates—o-Vanillin and RG-7112—that could tackle chronic low back pain at its source by eliminating senescent cells, also known as “zombie cells,” from spinal discs.
These aged or damaged cells accumulate over time, contributing to inflammation, tissue breakdown, and persistent pain. Unlike standard treatments that only alleviate symptoms, this new approach aims to treat the underlying cause of back pain.
The drugs were tested on mice and led to a noticeable reduction in pain and inflammation. After eight weeks of oral treatment, researchers observed not only relief of symptoms but also signs of disc regeneration.
“This could be a game-changer,” said Professor Lisbet Haglund, senior author of the study and co-director of the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at Montreal General Hospital. “Instead of masking the pain, we’re directly addressing the cells that cause it.”
The study was conducted by the Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain at McGill, in collaboration with the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
