Injectable nerve-freezing treatment to ease knee replacement pain

Neural Ice Technology for Treatment of Pain

NIH-funded research Brixton Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11174403

An injectable, long-lasting, drug-free nerve-freezing treatment to reduce pain after total knee replacement for adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrixton Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11174403 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you are having a total knee replacement, this project is developing an injectable way to temporarily freeze the nerves around the knee to reduce post-surgery pain. The approach adapts cryoneurolysis so it can be given by injection rather than by a very cold probe, aiming to be easier and quicker to use in clinic. The treatment is intended to provide reversible, long-lasting pain relief that lowers the need for opioid pills after surgery. The team plans clinical testing around the time of surgery to see how well the injection controls pain and opioid use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (21+) scheduled for total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who want non-opioid pain options.

Not a fit: People who are not having knee replacement, are under 21, or have certain nerve disorders, active infection, bleeding problems, or other medical contraindications may not benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could provide long-lasting, drug-free pain relief after knee replacement and reduce or eliminate the need for opioid painkillers.

How similar studies have performed: Existing cryoneurolysis with very cold probes has shown opioid-sparing effects after surgery, but an injectable 'neural ice' approach is new and has not yet been widely tested in patients.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, 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.