Finding new ways to activate a specific potassium channel to help manage pain.
Discovery of novel openers of the understudied human drug target Kir6.1
This study is looking for new medications that can help relieve pain without the risks of addiction, especially for people recovering from surgery or dealing with cancer, by targeting a specific potassium channel in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10580933 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on discovering new medications that can activate the Kir6.1 potassium channel, which may help manage pain without the addictive effects associated with opioids. The researchers are investigating how this channel can be targeted to develop non-opioid pain relief options, particularly for postoperative and cancer-related pain. By exploring the molecular mechanisms that regulate this channel, they aim to identify small molecules that can act as effective pain relievers. This approach could lead to safer alternatives for patients suffering from chronic pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain, particularly those recovering from surgery or dealing with cancer-related pain.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic pain or are not undergoing surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with new, non-addictive pain management options.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting the Kir6.1 channel is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in developing non-opioid pain relief strategies.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cardozo, Timothy J — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Cardozo, Timothy J
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 below.