Gene therapy to reduce chronic pain without opioids
Official title: Disease Modifying Analgesia with CA8 Gene Therapy
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10710264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new gene therapy that aims to help people with chronic knee pain by delivering a special gene to nerve cells, which could provide lasting relief similar to strong pain medications but without the risks of opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,109,446 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3NS123964-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10710264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic knee osteoarthritis pain who have not found relief with existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not have knee osteoarthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel gene therapy approach to treat chronic pain by targeting the carbonic anhydrase-8 (CA8) gene. The therapy aims to deliver CA8 to specific nerve cells to produce long-lasting pain relief, potentially equivalent to high doses of morphine but without the associated risks of opioid use. The research includes multiple projects focused on optimizing the therapy's safety and effectiveness, with a particular emphasis on treating chronic knee osteoarthritis pain. Patients may receive this treatment through clinically relevant routes of administration, which are designed to minimize side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective non-opioid treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using gene therapy for pain management, but this specific approach targeting CA8 is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levitt, Roy C. — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Levitt, Roy C.
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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.