Explore the science behind maresins
At SPM Therapeutics, we’re pioneering a new therapeutic approach for untreated diseases involving inflammation and pain. Our unique strategy is supported by robust scientific evidence that has changed the way we think about inflammation. The immune inflammatory response is not only made of pro-inflammatory pathways but also powerful pro-resolution mechanisms.1 These mechanisms are driven by specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), such as maresin 1, which actively promotes the resolution of inflammation and restores homeostasis - a balanced internal environment essential for optimal body functionality.2
Based on this fundamental knowledge, we are focused on harnessing the science-backed, pro-resolving power of maresins toactivate the natural inflammatory resolution process in diseases characterized by chronic inflammation and pain.
1 Basil, M., Levy, B. (2016) Specialized pro-resolving mediators: endogenous regulators of infection and inflammation. Nat Rev Immunol 16, 51–67.
2 Serhan, C. N., Yang, R., Martinod, K., Kasuga, K., Pillai, P. S., Porter, T. F., Oh, S. F., & Spite, M. (2009). Maresins: novel macrophage mediators with potent antiinflammatory and proresolving actions. The Journal of experimental medicine, 206(1), 15–23.
Maresins were first discovered in 2009 by Dr Charles N. Serhan from Harvard Medical School, when his team found a new pathway of bioactive mediators linked to inflammation resolution, wound healing and tissue repair.2 Derived from anti-inflammatory immune cells called macrophages, these compounds were coined macrophage mediators in resolving inflammation, or as we now know them as, maresins.
Since their discovery, emerging science supporting maresins’ pro-resolving capabilities has expanded, revealing that they also play a pivotal role in regulating chronic pain.3 These exciting findings have accelerated the exploration of the therapeutic potential of maresins beyond traditional treatment options, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
2 Serhan, C. N., Yang, R., Martinod, K., Kasuga, K., Pillai, P. S., Porter, T. F., Oh, S. F., & Spite, M. (2009). Maresins: novel macrophage mediators with potent antiinflammatory and proresolving actions. The Journal of experimental medicine, 206(1), 15–23.
3 Liu W-C, Yang Y-H, Wang Y-C, Chang W-M, Wang C-W. (2023) Maresin: Macrophage Mediator for Resolving Inflammation and Bridging Tissue Regeneration—A System-Based Preclinical Systematic Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24(13):11012
Inflammation is a vital response that protects our bodies from infection and injury. However, without timely resolution it can lead to chronic inflammation and pain, which are the underlying drivers of several diseases. Current therapies to treat inflammation-related conditions, like NSAIDs, focus on reducing pro-inflammatory substances and blocking the inflammatory response. This approach has several major limitations regarding side effects, (such as immune-suppression) and efficacy. In fact, research has shown that once inflammation and pain become chronic, NSAIDs are no longer effective.4,5
Unlike NSAIDs, maresins, such as maresin-1, act as key pro-resolution inflammatory signaling molecules. They block proinflammation and pain signals, promote the natural resolution of inflammation and restore balance without suppressing the immune response. Moreover, maresins have a better safety profile than NSAIDs.
4 Van Tulder, et al (2000). Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Low Back Pain. Spine, 25(19), 2501–2513.
5 Bogduk, N. (2004). Pharmacological alternatives for the alleviation of back pain. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 5(10), 2091–2098.
Targets inflammation
Acts on the root cause of chronic inflammation by stimulating the body’s natural resolution process
Blocks pain
Maresin-1 (MaR1) blocks peripheral and central pain signaling pathways7
Powerful pain relievers
SPMs act as more powerful pain relievers than opioids8
Fewer negative side effects
Non-immunosuppressive and non-addictive8
Superior safety profile
MaR1 has a superior safety profile compared to traditional anti-inflammatories
7 Falsetta ML, Wood RW, Linder MA, Bonham AD, Honn KV, Maddipati KR, Phipps RP, Haidaris CG, Foster DC. (2021) Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators Reduce Pro-Nociceptive Inflammatory Mediator Production in Models of Localized Provoked Vulvodynia. J Pain. Oct;22(10):1195-1209
8 Fattori V et al (2020) Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators: A new class of non-immunosuppressive and non-opioid analgesic drugs, Pharmacological Research 151.
By targeting chronic inflammation and pain at the source, we can expand treatment options for patients suffering from diseases characterized by uncontrolled inflammation and pain, such as vulvodynia, certain types of cancer, autoimmune and neurological diseases. Discover how together, we can forge the future of life-changing therapeutics.
We are proud to be leading the way in developing a disruptive therapeutic approach for inflammation-related diseases. Get in touch with our experts and join us on our journey to treating the untreated.