Creating new treatments for nerve pain using GPR34 antagonists
Official title: Development of selective GPR34 antagonists for the treatment of neuropathic pain
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-10973496 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new medicine that could help people with neuropathic pain by blocking a specific receptor in the nervous system, aiming to provide relief without the side effects of traditional pain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,511,970 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS138976-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973496 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neuropathic pain due to nerve injuries or conditions affecting the nervous system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have neuropathic pain or those whose pain is not related to nerve injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new medications to treat neuropathic pain, which is often difficult to manage with current therapies. The team is investigating a specific receptor, GPR34, that has been found to play a role in pain signaling in the nervous system. By using a novel compound that blocks this receptor, they aim to reduce pain without the side effects associated with opioids and other common pain medications. The research involves testing this compound in animal models to evaluate its effectiveness and safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for millions of people suffering from neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting GPR34 is relatively novel, preliminary data suggests that similar strategies have shown promise in reversing neuropathic pain in animal models.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salvemini, Daniela — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Salvemini, Daniela
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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.