Developing new non-opioid medications for chronic pain relief
Official title: Designed Multiple Ligands as Non-opioid Analgesics for Treating Chronic Pain
Funded at California State University Fullerton · NIH-11089497 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help people with chronic pain by creating special medications that work on two key enzymes, which could provide better pain relief without the side effects of traditional treatments, and patients may have the chance to try these new options in trials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Fullerton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fullerton, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $144,059 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149204-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089497 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who suffer from chronic pain conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative non-opioid analgesics to treat chronic pain by developing dual inhibitors that target two specific enzymes involved in pain and inflammation. The approach involves synthesizing small molecules that can inhibit both soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) simultaneously, which may lead to more effective pain management with fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments. Patients may be involved in trials to assess the effectiveness of these new compounds in alleviating pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with safer and more effective pain relief options without the risks associated with opioid medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with similar dual inhibitor approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel treatment strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pecic, Stevan — California State University Fullerton
- Study coordinator: Pecic, Stevan
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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.