Injectable gel for long-lasting pain relief after surgery
Official title: Extended-release injectable gel for multi-day treatment of postoperative pain
Funded at Sonoran Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11066703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new injectable gel that helps relieve pain after surgery without using opioids, making recovery safer and more comfortable for patients dealing with moderate-to-severe pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sonoran Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,479,276 |
| NIH project number | 2R44GM145020-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing surgical procedures who are expected to experience moderate-to-severe postoperative pain lasting more than three days.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not undergo surgical procedures or those with mild pain that does not require extended pain management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an injectable gel that can provide effective pain relief for patients recovering from surgery without the need for opioids. The gel, which contains bupivacaine, is designed to release medication over an extended period, specifically targeting the management of moderate-to-severe postoperative pain that lasts longer than 24 hours. By using this innovative approach, the research aims to reduce the risks associated with opioid use, such as addiction and adverse events, while improving the overall recovery experience for patients. The methodology involves ensuring that the gel can deliver effective drug concentrations directly to the surgical site, enhancing pain management outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the reliance on opioids for postoperative pain management, leading to safer recovery experiences for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using extended-release formulations for pain management, but this specific approach with injectable gel technology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Sonoran Biosciences, INC.
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Overstreet, Derek James — Sonoran Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Overstreet, Derek James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Postoperative Pain Guidelines for Pregnancy: Safer, Patient-Centered Opioid Use
We’re creating patient-friendly guidelines to help doctors manage pain after delivery and surgery in pregnant people, aiming to reduce opioid overuse and improve safety.
-
Using smart devices to better understand and treat pain after surgery
A Dartmouth-led project uses smartphones and wearables with smart AI to predict and manage persistent pain that can follow surgery.
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Contemporary Human Models of Postoperative Pain in General Surgery
A study in general surgery patients using biopsychosocial approaches to understand why some people have long-lasting pain after surgery.
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Better Predicting and Personalizing Postoperative Pain Care
Aimed at using advanced data tools to better predict and manage a patient’s pain after surgery and reduce opioid-related risks.
-
Central glutamate signaling in postoperative pain regulation
This grant studies how brain circuits control pain after surgery to help develop non-opioid pain medicines for patients.
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Extended-release gel for opioid-free postoperative pain relief
A new injectable gel formulation of bupivacaine is being tested to provide pain relief for several days after surgery without using opioids.
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.