A smart patch for managing neck pain
Official title: A soft electronics-enabled smart microneedle patch for neck pain management
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10952422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $417,090 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG088864-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic neck pain, particularly those who have not found relief with traditional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neck injuries or those who do not experience chronic neck pain may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Baoxing — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Xu, Baoxing
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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.