Improving pain management after spine surgery to reduce opioid use and side effects
Official title: Reducing Opioid Use and Adverse Effects through Proactive Precision Pain Management Following Spine Surgery
Funded at Opalgenix, INC. · NIH-10485408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve pain relief for people having lumbar spinal surgery by using a personalized plan that takes into account their unique genetics and health history, helping doctors choose the best pain management options while reducing the need for opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Opalgenix, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $326,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DA056280-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10485408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are scheduled to undergo lumbar spinal surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing lumbar spinal surgery or those who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing pain management strategies for patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery by utilizing a personalized approach based on genetic and clinical factors. The study aims to develop a system called GPS-Opioid, which will guide physicians in prescribing the most effective pain relief methods while minimizing opioid use and its associated risks. By analyzing individual patient data, the research seeks to predict pain outcomes and tailor pain management plans accordingly, ultimately improving recovery experiences for patients. The approach combines advanced algorithms with clinical markers to optimize treatment protocols.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid dependency and improve pain management outcomes for patients after spine surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using genetic factors to guide pain management, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Opalgenix, INC.
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plump, Steven R. — Opalgenix, INC.
- Study coordinator: Plump, Steven R.
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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.