Finding New Ways to Relieve Pain Without Addiction
Official title: Identification of allosteric molecules for DOR-KOR heteromer-mediated peripheral analgesia
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11137130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks for new pain relief medicines that target specific pain-sensing nerves in the body, aiming to avoid the dangerous side effects of current opioid drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $508,826 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057787-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for anyone interested in the future development of non-addictive pain treatments, particularly those suffering from nociceptive pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate pain relief or direct participation in a clinical trial would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
What this research studies
Current pain medications often target the brain, leading to serious side effects like breathing problems and addiction, which has fueled the opioid crisis. This project explores a different approach by focusing on pain-sensing nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. We are looking for new drug-like molecules that can activate a specific combination of receptors, called DOR-KOR heteromers, found on these peripheral pain nerves. The goal is to develop pain relievers that work locally where pain starts, offering strong relief without affecting the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, safer pain medications that provide strong relief without the risk of addiction or severe side effects associated with current opioid drugs.
How similar studies have gone: The concept of targeting peripheral pain pathways is supported by the effectiveness of local anesthetics, but this specific approach using DOR-KOR heteromers and interprotomer allosterism is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clarke, William P — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Clarke, William P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Personalized pain prevention around surgery
This project tests ways to tailor pain-prevention treatments for people having surgery to reduce the chance of long-lasting post-surgical pain.
-
Pain sensitivity, alcohol analgesia, and heavy drinking in people with opioid use disorder
A short, patient-friendly look at how pain sensitivity and alcohol’s pain-relieving effects might influence heavy drinking in people with opioid use disorder.
-
Long-term activation of the body's own pain-relief system in the spinal cord and brainstem
A study at the University of Pittsburgh will test how the body's natural opioid system can stay active for a long time after pain or opioid exposure, with potential implications for better pain control.
-
Personalized perioperative pain prevention for high-risk patients
A research program at Stanford is exploring why some people have long-lasting pain after surgery and how to prevent it in patients who are most at risk.
-
Sickle Cell Disease Pain Analgesia and Integrative Network for Better Pain Care
A national network is being built to better understand and manage pain in adults with sickle cell disease using integrative, whole-health approaches.
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.