Gene therapy to reduce pain after surgery and inflammation
Cell-directed gene therapy for pain recovery after surgery and inflammation
This study is testing a new gene therapy that uses tiny particles to help immune cells reduce pain after surgery and inflammation, which could offer a better treatment option for patients looking to avoid opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004974 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a gene therapy that targets specific immune cells to alleviate pain caused by surgery and inflammation. By focusing on a gene called ED2/CD163, which has been shown to play a role in pain management, the researchers will use nanoparticles to deliver this therapy directly to macrophages, a type of immune cell. The approach is based on previous findings that manipulating this gene can reduce inflammatory pain and promote healing. Patients may benefit from a new treatment option that minimizes the need for opioids.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing sub-chronic postoperative pain or inflammatory conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain not related to surgery or inflammation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment for managing pain after surgery, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using gene therapy for pain management, indicating that this approach could be a viable option.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romero-Sandoval, E. Alfonso — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Romero-Sandoval, E. Alfonso
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.