Creating new treatments for headaches caused by medication overuse

Development of PAC1 receptor antagonists for the treatment of Headache Disorders

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-10864662

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10864662 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience medication overuse headaches and have not found relief with current treatment options.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

SAINT LOUIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.