The study is not disproving the efficacy of analgesic drugs of most organisms - only suggesting that not all pain mechanisms are well understood, which is a rea

The study is not disproving the efficacy of analgesic drugs of most organisms - only suggesting that not all pain mechanisms are well understood, which is a reasonable suggestion. Further, given our (US) current opioid epidemic and death count, I find the implication that "we don't need to study other pain-relieving drugs" dubious. Finally, do note that most analgesics have harmful side effects (acetaminophen - liver, NSAID - stomach bleeding). Does that mean they do not work as pain killers? No. But when a large portion of 50% of the population needs to take them for several days for 1 week of every month, we have every market incentive to look for other pain-relieving solutions. Just for a personal example, my mother's period pain warranted a prolonged combination of NSAIDs and acetaminophen all her life, for 1 week of every month. Had the pills been more effective, she might have needed fewer of them in a sitting, and may not be dealing with the stomach bleeding she has now.