Identifying pain treatment responses in knee osteoarthritis

Brain-based and clinical phenotyping of pain pharmacotherapy in knee OA

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10906980

This study is looking at how well different treatments for knee osteoarthritis pain, like naproxen and duloxetine, work for people based on their individual characteristics, so we can find the best way to help each person feel better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10906980 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how different treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain affect individuals based on their unique biological markers. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either naproxen, duloxetine, or a placebo, and their responses will be monitored over a 6-week period. The study aims to collect various data, including patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and brain imaging, to better understand which treatments work best for specific patient profiles. By identifying these responder phenotypes, the research hopes to personalize pain management strategies for OA patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing moderate to severe pain from knee osteoarthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with mild knee pain or those not diagnosed with osteoarthritis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized pain management options for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Similar research has shown promise in personalizing pain treatment based on biomarkers, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.