Exploring new treatments for chronic pain using specific receptors in the body
Official title: Selective Probes for Alpha9* Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11040777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of receptor in the body that could help manage chronic pain and inflammation, and it's for people who suffer from these types of pain; the goal is to create new medications that provide relief without the unwanted side effects of opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,079 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS140966-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic inflammatory or neuropathic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not have chronic pain may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the α9 subunit in managing chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The project aims to develop small-molecule probes that selectively target these receptors, potentially offering effective pain relief without the side effects associated with traditional opioid treatments. Through a series of structured experiments, researchers will optimize these compounds to enhance their therapeutic properties, focusing on their ability to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Patients may benefit from innovative pain management strategies that are safer and more effective than current options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, safer pain management therapies that significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors for pain management, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thakur, Ganesh a — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Thakur, Ganesh a
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.