Creating a pig model to study pain from spinal cord injuries
Official title: Development and validation of a porcine model of spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10805071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a pig model to better understand neuropathic pain from spinal cord injuries, helping researchers learn how this pain works and how well different pain medications might help people like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $3,560,956 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS135504-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10805071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and suffer from neuropathic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pain conditions unrelated to spinal cord injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a pig model that mimics neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injuries, which is more representative of human anatomy and physiology than traditional rodent models. By using advanced techniques to measure pain responses, the researchers will evaluate how spinal cord injuries affect pain over time and how effective pain medications are in this model. The goal is to improve the understanding of pain mechanisms and enhance the development of new therapies for patients suffering from similar conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective pain management strategies for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using rodent models has shown promise, but this approach with pigs is novel and aims to provide more accurate predictions for human outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Floyd, Candace L. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Floyd, Candace L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exploring how EphB2 and NMDA receptors drive pain after cervical spinal cord injury
This project looks at a specific molecular interaction in the spinal cord that may contribute to chronic pain after neck-level spinal cord injuries, with the goal of finding new ways to help patients who have neuropathic pain.
-
Diet and pain in Veterans with spinal cord injury
A study to see if better diet quality is linked to lower chronic neuropathic pain in veterans with spinal cord injury.
-
Gene therapy to relieve spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain
This project tests a one-time gene therapy (6SHG/EM1) to reduce long-lasting neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury using a pig model to help move toward human treatment.
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Breathing-controlled electrical stimulation device for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
A new, non-drug device aims to reduce neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injuries using breathing-guided electrical stimulation.
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Understanding Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
This project looks at how certain brain signals contribute to long-lasting pain after a spinal cord injury, hoping to find new ways to help patients.
-
A new device to help manage nerve pain after spinal cord injuries
This study is testing a new device called BreEStim that helps manage nerve pain for people with spinal cord injuries, offering a safe and drug-free way to find relief, and you can be part of this exciting research to help improve pain management!
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.