Effective, long-lasting, non-addictive pain relief—it sounds too good to be true. But thanks to the imagination (and perseverance) of University at Buffalo neuroscientist/pharmacologist Arin Bhattacharjee, it may be just around the corner. Bhattacharjee, a self-proclaimed “dreamer,” has developed a novel approach to pain, both acute and chronic, that could get FDA approval in as soon as two years. In this episode of Driven to Discover, host Ellen Goldbaum talks to Bhattacharjee about his journey from wannabe soccer pro to impassioned scientist, the research that led to a new understanding of pain, and the small yet powerful peptide that could not only transform millions of lives but also help lead us out of the opioid epidemic.

Credits: 
Host: Ellen Goldbaum
Guest: Arin Bhattacharjee
Writer: Laura Silverman
Production and editing by UB Video Production Group 

Coming on Oct. 1: Evolutionary biologist Vincent Lynch studies the genetic histories of animals to better understand problems like infertility and cancer in humans. He speaks to host Tom Dinki about the discoveries he’s made and their potential to help people lead longer, healthier lives.