Developing new drugs to treat neuropathic pain without opioids

Development of positive TMEM97 modulators for treating neuropathic pain

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NUVONURO INC · NIH-10642506

This study is working on new medications that aim to help people with chronic nerve pain without the risks of addiction that come with opioids, using a special protein called TMEM97 to find safe and effective treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNUVONURO INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10642506 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating novel medications that target a specific protein, TMEM97, to alleviate neuropathic pain without the addictive properties of opioids. The team has identified compounds that show promise in animal models, demonstrating effective pain relief without the development of tolerance. The research will involve optimizing these compounds to ensure they are safe and effective for potential human use. By exploring a new mechanism of action, this work aims to provide a breakthrough in pain management for those suffering from chronic pain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic neuropathic pain who are seeking alternative treatments to opioids.

Not a fit: Patients who do not suffer from neuropathic pain or those who are not responsive to non-opioid pain management strategies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to non-addictive pain relief options for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.

How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects, although preliminary animal studies show promising results.

Where this research is happening

AUSTIN, 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.