NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Advanced spinal cord stimulation for treating chronic pain without opioids

Official title: High-Resolution, Spinal Cord Stimulation for Non-Opioid Treatment of Neuropathic Pain

Funded at Micro-Leads, INC. · NIH-10782012 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new type of spinal cord stimulation called HD64, designed to help people with chronic nerve pain feel better and rely less on pain medications like opioids.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMicro-Leads, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Somerville, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 30, 2019
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$640,917
NIH project number5U44NS115111-05
Project IDNIH-10782012 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic neuropathic pain, particularly those who have not found relief through conventional treatments or are dependent on opioids.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not have neuropathic pain may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new spinal cord stimulation therapy called HD64, which uses a high-resolution, 64-channel system to target chronic neuropathic pain more effectively. The approach aims to provide pain relief with greater specificity, potentially reducing reliance on opioids for those suffering from debilitating pain in the trunk and extremities. By utilizing ultra-thin and conformal leads, the therapy seeks to stimulate specific nerve fibers while minimizing risks associated with traditional methods. Patients may experience improved quality of life and reduced pain through this innovative treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce chronic pain and opioid dependence for millions of patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that spinal cord stimulation can effectively relieve chronic pain, indicating a promising potential for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Micro-Leads, INC.
    Somerville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mclaughlin, Bryan L — Micro-Leads, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Mclaughlin, Bryan L

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.