Adenosine A3 receptor activators as a potential treatment for migraine
Molecular basis for adenosine A3 receptor agonists in the treatment of migraine
Looking at whether medicines that activate the adenosine A3 receptor can reduce migraine pain in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247906 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how activating the adenosine A3 receptor affects molecular pain pathways linked to migraine, including reactive nitroxidative species and inflammatory signaling. Much of the work uses laboratory tests and rodent models to see whether A3AR agonists reduce trigeminovascular sensitization and related biochemical changes. The team will also map where A3AR appears along the migraine pain pathway in peripheral and central regions important for headache. The goal is to identify targets and drug actions that could be moved toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with migraine, especially those with frequent or treatment‑resistant attacks or who cannot use existing migraine drugs, would be the likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People under 21, those with non‑migraine headache types, or patients whose headaches are caused by other medical conditions may not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new migraine medicines that help people who don't respond to current treatments or who cannot take drugs like triptans.
How similar studies have performed: A3AR agonists have relieved pain in animal models of neuropathic pain, but applying them specifically to migraine is largely new and untested in people.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akerman, Simon — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Akerman, Simon
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.