Creating a new animal model to understand fibromyalgia

Establishment and Validation of a Novel Animal Model of Fibromyalgia

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10868792

This study is looking at mice without a specific enzyme to better understand fibromyalgia and how gut health affects pain and other symptoms, which could help find new treatments for people living with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10868792 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop and validate a novel animal model of fibromyalgia (FM) using mice that lack intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP). By studying these mice, researchers will investigate the underlying mechanisms of FM, particularly focusing on gut health and its impact on pain and other symptoms. The study will assess various behaviors related to pain sensitivity, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, which are common in FM patients. This model will provide a platform for testing new treatments and understanding the disease better.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from fibromyalgia, particularly those with symptoms related to gut health.

Not a fit: Patients with fibromyalgia who do not have gut-related issues may not benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing fibromyalgia symptoms more effectively.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using animal models to study fibromyalgia, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.