A smart patch for managing neck pain
A soft electronics-enabled smart microneedle patch for neck pain management
This study is testing a new wireless patch with tiny needles that can help relieve neck pain without the side effects of pills, making it a friendly option for people looking for better pain management.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10952422 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wireless microneedle patch designed to deliver pain relief for neck pain. By integrating soft electronics with thermo-responsive microneedles, the patch aims to provide a non-invasive method for drug delivery that bypasses the gastrointestinal side effects associated with oral medications. Patients will benefit from a targeted approach to pain management that minimizes the risks of traditional treatments, such as NSAIDs and opioids. The project seeks to create a patient-centered solution that enhances drug penetration through the skin.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic neck pain, particularly those who have not found relief with traditional treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with acute neck injuries or those who do not experience chronic neck pain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective method for managing neck pain without the side effects of oral medications.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using microneedle technology for drug delivery, indicating that this approach could be effective for pain management.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Baoxing — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Xu, Baoxing
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.