Recent Progress in Gels for Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While several treatment options are available, they often have limited efficacy and are associated with adverse effects. In recent years, gels have emerged as a promising option for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Inclusion of various nanocarriers, such as cubosomes and niosomes, into gels results in pharmaceutical forms with higher drug stability and increased drug penetration into tissues compared to products currently marketed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, these compounds usually provide sustained drug release and are biocompatible and biodegradable, which makes them a safe option for drug delivery. The purpose of this narrative review was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the field and identify potential directions for future research in the development of effective and safe gels for the treatment of neuropathic pain, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.

Automated summary

Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating condition affecting millions globally. Gels, particularly those incorporating nanocarriers such as cubosomes and niosomes, have emerged as a promising option for more effective and safer treatment. These gels offer improved drug stability, enhanced drug penetration, sustained release, and biocompatibility. This narrative review aims to comprehensively analyze the current state of the field, identifying future research directions to develop effective and safe gels for neuropathic pain, thus improving patients' quality of life.