Developing new treatments for nerve pain using AT2 inhibitors
Official title: Development of Angiotensin AT2 inhibitors for neuropathic pain relief
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11139279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with nerve pain feel better by targeting a specific receptor in the body, which could lead to safer pain relief options that don't involve addictive medications like opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $818,360 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3NS143065-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic neuropathic pain, such as those with diabetic neuropathy or post-herpetic neuralgia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have neuropathic pain or those whose pain is not related to the conditions being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding new ways to relieve neuropathic pain, which affects millions of Americans and is often inadequately treated with current medications. The approach involves targeting the angiotensin AT2 receptor, which plays a role in how nerve cells respond to pain. By developing new inhibitors that can effectively block this receptor, the research aims to provide a safer alternative to opioid painkillers, reducing the risk of addiction and side effects. The study will build on previous findings that showed promise in preclinical and early clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer pain relief options for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the angiotensin AT2 receptor for pain relief, although the specific approach being tested in this study is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Katritch, Vsevolod — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Katritch, Vsevolod
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain in a new mechanistic trial
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-
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Glial-nerve conversations in neuropathic pain and diabetes
This grant looks at how supportive brain and nerve cells communicate with pain-sensing neurons to understand and reduce chronic nerve pain in people.
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Parmodulins with Low Abuse Potential for Neuropathic Pain
A new class of pain medicines called parmodulins is being studied to help people with nerve-pain pain without high abuse risk.
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.