Combining drugs to manage pain safely with fewer side effects
Official title: Combination drug therapy to treat pain with minimal or no abuse potential and side-effects
Funded at Rowan University · NIH-10932437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with pain by using morphine along with another drug that boosts a natural calming chemical in the brain, hoping to provide better relief without the usual side effects of opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Glassboro, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $374,783 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055701-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing acute or chronic pain who may benefit from improved analgesic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience pain or have conditions that do not respond to opioid analgesics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to pain management by combining an opioid analgesic, morphine, with a novel drug that enhances GABA signaling. The goal is to achieve better pain relief while minimizing common side effects associated with opioids, such as tolerance and respiratory depression. The study will involve preclinical models to assess the effectiveness and safety of this dual therapy. By exploring how these two mechanisms work together, the research aims to provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from acute and chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer pain management options with reduced risk of addiction and side effects for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in combining different pharmacological approaches to enhance pain relief while reducing side effects, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rowan University
Glassboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keck, Thomas Mcgowan — Rowan University
- Study coordinator: Keck, Thomas Mcgowan
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.