Developing gene therapy to treat severe pain in older adults
Toward Precision Gene Therapy for Treatment of Severe Pain in Older Individuals
This study is exploring a new gene therapy that uses a special virus to help older adults with severe, ongoing pain by calming down the nerves that send pain signals, offering a potential new option for those who can't take regular pain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056880 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new gene therapy approach to help older individuals suffering from severe, chronic pain. It aims to deliver a specific type of virus, known as an adeno-associated virus (AAV), to pain-sensing neurons to reduce their activity and alleviate pain. The researchers will test this method using both animal models and human cells to ensure its effectiveness. If successful, this innovative treatment could provide a much-needed alternative to traditional pain medications, especially for those who cannot use them due to age-related health issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or those without chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a groundbreaking treatment option for older adults suffering from refractory pain, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have performed: While gene therapy for pain management is a relatively novel approach, preliminary evidence from animal studies suggests potential success in similar methodologies.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wainger, Brian Jason — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wainger, Brian Jason
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 below.