Enantiomerically pure (S)-2-amino-1-(2-isopropylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)propan-1-one, (S)-AV1013, is a candidate therapeutic for treating neuropathic pain, addiction behavior and drug withdrawal symptoms. Also described are methods for preparing and using (S)-AV1013, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts as well as pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of the same.