Exploring a new non-opioid method for treating severe chronic pain
Official title: Dissection of NTSR2/calcium channel signaling as a non-opioid spinal analgesic mechanism for the treatment of high impact chronic pain
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11073488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with severe chronic pain by using a special substance from snail venom that might provide relief without the usual side effects of pain medications like opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $664,772 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS139492-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from high impact chronic pain, particularly those who have not responded well to traditional opioid treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pain conditions that do not involve spinal mechanisms or those who are not experiencing high impact chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to managing high impact chronic pain by targeting specific receptors in the spinal cord. It focuses on a peptide derived from snail venom, which has shown promise in early studies for providing pain relief without the common side effects associated with opioids. The research aims to understand how activating neurotensin receptor 2 (NTSR2) can inhibit certain calcium channels, leading to effective pain relief. By using animal models and previous human studies, the project seeks to develop a safer alternative for patients suffering from severe pain conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective pain management option for patients without the risks associated with opioid use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar non-opioid analgesic approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel method.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patwardhan, Amol M — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Patwardhan, Amol M
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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.