Injectable nerve-freezing treatment to ease knee replacement pain
Official title: Neural Ice Technology for Treatment of Pain
Funded at Brixton Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11174403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
An injectable, long-lasting, drug-free nerve-freezing treatment to reduce pain after total knee replacement for adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brixton Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 21, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,047,029 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AR084998-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) scheduled for total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who want non-opioid pain options.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Brixton Biosciences, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sidoti, Charles — Brixton Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Sidoti, Charles
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using cold technology to relieve pain after knee surgery
This study is testing a new way to help people manage pain after knee surgery without using opioids, by using a special freezing technique on certain nerves to provide lasting relief, making it easier and safer for patients.
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.