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🇮🇳 Indian Astronaut Returns to Space After 41 Years: Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

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In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...

Opioids and the Future of Pain Management

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Opioids and the Future of Pain Management



The U.S. FDA has approved Suzetrigine, a groundbreaking non-opioid treatment for moderate-to-severe acute pain. This marks a significant shift in pain management, reducing reliance on opioids, which are known for their high addiction potential.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that originate from or mimic compounds found in the opium poppy plant. They act on the nervous system’s opioid receptors to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria.

Types of Opioids

Opioids can be classified into three main categories:

  1. Natural Opioids (Opiates)

    • Derived directly from the opium poppy plant.
    • Examples: Morphine, Codeine.

  2. Semi-Synthetic Opioids

    • Chemically modified versions of natural opioids.
    • Examples: Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Heroin.

  3. Synthetic Opioids

    • Fully lab-made but function similarly to natural opioids.
    • Examples: Fentanyl, Tramadol, Methadone.

Medical Uses of Opioids

  • Pain Relief: Used for acute pain (post-surgery, injuries) and chronic pain (cancer, severe arthritis).
  • Anesthesia: Used in hospitals during and after surgeries.
  • Cough Suppression: Some opioids (like codeine) are used in cough syrups.
  • Diarrhea Treatment: Certain opioids (like loperamide) slow digestion to treat diarrhea.

The Opioid Crisis: Risks and Challenges

Despite their effectiveness, opioids have led to a global addiction crisis due to:

  1. High Addiction Potential

    • Opioids trigger dopamine release, causing euphoria.
    • Repeated use can lead to dependence and addiction.

  2. Overdose Risk

    • High doses suppress breathing, leading to fatal overdoses.
    • Fentanyl, an ultra-potent opioid, is a leading cause of opioid-related deaths.

  3. Withdrawal Symptoms

    • Abrupt discontinuation leads to severe withdrawal, including nausea, muscle pain, and extreme cravings.

Non-Opioid Alternatives and FDA's New Approval

With growing concerns over opioid addiction, researchers have been developing safer pain management options.

Suzetrigine – A New Non-Opioid Pain Treatment

  • Recently approved by the U.S. FDA as a first-in-class non-opioid drug.
  • Provides moderate-to-severe pain relief without the risk of addiction.
  • Represents a significant step toward reducing opioid dependency.
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