Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function Variety: Pain, Spasticity, and Nav1.7/Nav1.8 research at VA
Official title: Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11308688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VA-affiliated center is exploring new ways to treat chronic pain and spasticity, especially in Veterans, by studying Nav1.7/Nav1.8 targets and patient-specific stem cell models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I50RX002999-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11308688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with chronic pain, post-amputation phantom limb pain, and spasticity; individuals contributing stem-cell based genetic data when appropriate.
✕Less likely to help
Not all patients may experience immediate relief; some findings may be exploratory or preclinical.
What this research studies
This program aims to develop non-addictive pain and spasticity treatments by building on Nav1.7/Nav1.8 science and second-generation blockers. Researchers use patient-specific stem cells to find genes that influence pain resilience, focusing on channels Kv7.2, Kv7.3, and potentially KCNK18. The work includes pharmacogenomics and plans to translate findings toward clinical studies, with a special emphasis on Veterans with limb amputation and phantom limb pain. The overall strategy uses a multiple shots on goal approach to pursue several therapeutic angles in parallel. Participation may involve genetic analysis, stem-cell models, and potential future clinical studies connected to Veterans’ pain and mobility challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to safer, more effective pain relief and reduced spasticity for Veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Past work on Nav1.7/Nav1.8 and pharmacogenomics has informed preclinical strategies; this program extends those ideas toward translational goals.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waxman, Stephen — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Waxman, Stephen
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.