Developing new pain relievers that reduce addiction risk
Targeting the allosteric sodium site with novel probes for delta opioid receptor
This study is looking for new pain medications that work differently than traditional opioids, aiming to help people manage their pain safely without the risk of addiction, so patients can find better options for relief.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124830 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative pain medications that target the delta opioid receptor (DOR) to provide effective pain relief without the high risk of addiction associated with traditional opioid medications. By using a unique approach that involves binding to both the conventional and sodium sites of the DOR, the researchers aim to develop new analgesics that can alleviate pain while minimizing adverse effects like respiratory depression. Patients may benefit from safer alternatives to current opioid painkillers, which are often linked to opioid use disorders. The research employs advanced pharmacological techniques to explore the efficacy and safety of these novel compounds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain who are at risk of opioid use disorder or those seeking alternatives to traditional opioid pain management.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic pain or those who are not at risk for opioid addiction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer pain medications that significantly reduce the risk of addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting alternative opioid receptors for pain relief, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in pain management.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Majumdar, Susruta — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Majumdar, Susruta
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.