Creating new treatments for headaches caused by medication overuse
Official title: Development of PAC1 receptor antagonists for the treatment of Headache Disorders
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10864662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new medications to help people who get headaches from using migraine treatments too often, by blocking a specific substance in the brain that contributes to these headaches, so they can find relief without having to stop their current medications and deal with withdrawal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,325,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS136307-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience medication overuse headaches and have not found relief with current treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from medication overuse headaches or those whose headaches are caused by other underlying conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new medications to help patients suffering from medication overuse headaches (MOH), which can occur after chronic use of common migraine treatments. The researchers have identified a neuropeptide linked to MOH and are working on creating specific antagonists that block its receptor, potentially leading to better management of headache symptoms. By targeting the underlying mechanisms of MOH, the study aims to provide an alternative to the current treatment approach, which often involves stopping medication and enduring withdrawal symptoms. The research will involve preclinical models to test the effectiveness of these new compounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with more effective treatments for managing headaches caused by medication overuse.
How similar studies have gone: While the PACAPergic system is relatively understudied, preliminary data suggests that targeting this pathway may lead to significant advancements in treating MOH, indicating potential for success based on similar approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pradhan, Amynah Amir Ali — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Pradhan, Amynah Amir Ali
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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.