NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

Improving drug delivery for chronic pain in minority veterans

Official title: Clinical Optimization of Ultrasonic Drug Delivery Technologies for Underserved Minority US Veterans in Chronic Pain

Funded at Zetroz Systems, LLC · NIH-11051818 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on new ways to help veterans with chronic pain, like osteoarthritis, by using sound waves to deliver medicine that can relieve pain without the risks of addiction, and we want to make sure these solutions fit their specific needs.

More Chronic Pain research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionZetroz Systems, LLC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Trumbull, United States)
Project startSeptember 14, 2020
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$1,311,907
NIH project number5R44MD015912-05
Project IDNIH-11051818 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are minority veterans experiencing chronic pain, particularly those with osteoarthritis.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have chronic pain or are not part of the minority veteran population may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing and optimizing ultrasonic drug delivery technologies specifically for underserved minority veterans suffering from chronic pain, particularly osteoarthritis. The project aims to address the opioid crisis by providing alternative pain management solutions that are less addictive. By utilizing advanced drug delivery methods, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of pain relief while minimizing side effects. The study will involve collaboration with veterans to ensure that the solutions developed are tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with safer and more effective pain management options, reducing reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of ultrasonic drug delivery is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other patient populations, indicating potential for success in this context.

Where this research is happening

  • Zetroz Systems, LLC
    Trumbull, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lewis, George Kenneth — Zetroz Systems, LLC
  • Study coordinator: Lewis, George Kenneth

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Human pain center study to map normal and migraine-trigeminal neurons

    A large NIH-funded project will map and study the human trigeminal neurons involved in migraines to understand what changes in these cells during headache conditions.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11615140

  • Understanding human pain neurons to improve migraine care

    Researchers are studying human pain-sensing neurons to uncover what makes migraine start and persist, with the goal of better treatments for people who experience migraines.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11615139

  • Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care

    A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11609318

  • Understanding how to use pharmacogenomic testing to guide chronic pain care

    This grant looks at how doctors who treat long‑term pain decide when and how to use genetic testing to tailor pain medicines for safer and more effective care.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11602241

  • Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults

    This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.

    NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-11599794

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.