Dual-action non-opioid migraine fighters: one molecule, two targets
Official title: Developing multitarget enzyme inhibitors as safe and effective anti-migraine treatments
Funded at California State University Hayward · NIH-11393580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A university-led project is testing a new non-opioid drug that blocks two pain-related enzymes at the same time to help people with migraines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Hayward NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hayward, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $119,031 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM150781-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with migraine who have not responded well to current non-opioid treatments or who are at risk for medication-overuse headaches.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not respond to this specific dual-inhibition approach or may have contraindications to the study compounds.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop small molecules that inhibit two enzymes, sEH and FAAH, to reduce migraine pain without the risks of opioids. Researchers have already identified promising dual inhibitors and shown antinociceptive effects in a rat model. The study combines chemistry and biology to optimize these compounds and evaluate their potential for human use. If successful, these dual inhibitors could offer a safer alternative for people experiencing migraine attacks and MOH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have a new non-opioid option that helps prevent or lessen migraine pain with fewer risks of addiction or stomach ulcers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with dual enzyme inhibitors in pain models shows promise, supporting continuing development in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Hayward
Hayward, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kandasamy, Ram — California State University Hayward
- Study coordinator: Kandasamy, Ram
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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.