Creating a new imaging tool to measure pain objectively

Developing Radiocaine NaV imaging as a response monitoring biomarker for chronic pain

NIH-funded research Lutroo Imaging LLC · NIH-10794862

This study is testing a new imaging tool called Radiocaine that helps doctors see and measure pain in the body more accurately, which could lead to better treatments for people dealing with chronic pain.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLutroo Imaging LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kalispell, United States)
Project IDNIH-10794862 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a novel imaging agent called Radiocaine that can objectively measure pain signals in the body. Currently, pain is assessed subjectively, which can lead to inadequate treatment and management. By using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, the study seeks to accurately localize pain sources and quantify their intensity. This approach could significantly improve the evaluation of pain therapies and enhance the understanding of chronic pain conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience chronic pain.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective pain management strategies and reduce the reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using imaging to measure pain is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

Kalispell, 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 2026-06-15 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.