Finding new small molecules to help manage chronic pain
Official title: Identification of small molecule NPBWR1 agonists
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-10904943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new, safe medications that can help relieve chronic pain by activating a specific receptor in the brain, and it's aimed at finding options that are not addictive like opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $120,166 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DA058800-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain who are seeking alternative treatments to opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from chronic pain or those who are already effectively managing their pain with current treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying small molecules that activate the Neuropeptide B/W Receptor 1 (NPBWR1), a promising target for pain relief. The researchers will conduct high-throughput screening of a diverse library of small molecules to find effective agonists that can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for treating chronic pain. They will use various in vitro assays to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these compounds, aiming to develop non-addictive alternatives to opioids for pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, non-addictive pain relief options for patients suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting NPBWR1 for pain relief, but this approach using small molecules is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Thuy — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Thuy
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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.