Investigating a new treatment for chronic orofacial pain
Official title: Targeting GTP Cyclohydrolase 1 for treating chronic orofacial pain
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10844705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called GCH1 might influence chronic pain in the face and mouth, with the hope of finding new ways to help people manage their pain better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $419,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033640-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10844705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic orofacial pain, particularly those with conditions linked to nerve injury or inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those not experiencing orofacial pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific gene, GCH1, in chronic orofacial pain. It aims to explore how this gene affects pain perception and the production of important neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system. By using animal models, the researchers will investigate the expression of GCH1 in pain pathways and how inhibiting its activity might provide relief from chronic pain. The goal is to develop novel treatment strategies that could improve pain management for patients suffering from orofacial pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new and more effective treatments for individuals suffering from chronic orofacial pain.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful studies investigating GCH1 in other pain models, this specific approach to chronic orofacial pain is novel and has not been previously tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Niall P — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Niall P
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.