Boosting the body's natural cannabinoid signals to relieve chronic pain
Modulating Signaling Endocannabinoids and Fatty Acid Amides
Creating medicines that prolong natural cannabinoid signals in the body to help people with chronic pain while avoiding common cannabis or opioid side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231693 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will design small molecules that block enzymes that normally break down our natural cannabinoids (like anandamide and 2-AG), so those signals last longer at sites where they are needed. They will use chemistry and biochemical tests to make and refine these enzyme inhibitors, then test the most promising compounds in laboratory and animal pain models. The approach aims to enhance the body's own pain-relief signals rather than directly activating cannabinoid receptors, to reduce risks such as sedation, dependence, or respiratory depression. Results will guide whether these compounds could move into human safety and efficacy testing in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic pain who are seeking alternatives to opioids or direct cannabis use would be the most likely future candidates for related clinical testing.
Not a fit: People with acute pain needing immediate relief or conditions unrelated to endocannabinoid signaling are unlikely to benefit from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer pain treatments that boost natural cannabinoid signaling and reduce reliance on opioids or direct cannabinoid drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Related FAAH inhibitor approaches showed strong pain relief in animal models but human trials have had mixed results and highlighted important safety lessons to guide new compounds.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boger, Dale L — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Boger, Dale L
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.