An electrical device to relieve pain after surgery without drugs
Official title: An Electrical Neurostimulation Device for Drug-Free, Long-Term Treatment of Post-Operative Pain
Funded at Synaptrix INC · NIH-11408281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new non-drug, non-invasive neuromodulation device called NOVABLOC aims to reduce post-operative pain and support rehab by blocking pain signals without affecting movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Synaptrix INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Alpharetta, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $920,044 |
| NIH project number | 1R44AR087332-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing surgery who experience acute post-operative pain and are seeking non-drug pain management options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require post-operative pain management or have contraindications to neuromodulation may have limited benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing and bringing NOVABLOC to market as a non-addictive, drug-free option for managing pain after surgery. The device uses a high-frequency stimulation to temporarily block pain signals from nerves while preserving motor function, enabling patients to participate in physical therapy. Researchers will focus on refining the technology, ensuring safety, and preparing for clinical use with healthcare providers. The goal is to offer patients an effective alternative to opioids that can improve recovery and reduce opioid-related risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better pain control after surgery without opioids, improving recovery and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Other neuromodulation approaches have shown promise for pain relief, but this specific high-frequency, selective conduction-block technology is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Synaptrix INC
Alpharetta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schepis, Eric Anthony — Synaptrix INC
- Study coordinator: Schepis, Eric Anthony
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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.