Investigating how delta opioid receptors affect migraine pain management
Official title: The role of delta opioid receptors in trigeminovascular pain
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11031331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific type of receptor in the brain can help people who have headaches from using too much migraine medicine, with the goal of finding better treatments to ease their pain and improve their daily life while they stop using those medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $465,677 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130882-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031331 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing medication overuse headaches who are seeking alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from medication overuse headaches or those who have not used migraine medications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of delta opioid receptors in managing medication overuse headaches (MOH), a condition where chronic use of migraine medications leads to worsening symptoms. The study aims to develop targeted therapies that can alleviate severe migraines during the withdrawal period from these medications. By testing delta opioid receptor agonists in various headache models, the research seeks to identify effective treatments that improve patient quality of life and reduce reliance on traditional medications. The approach includes analyzing the interactions between delta opioid receptors and other pain-related mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, effective treatments for patients suffering from medication overuse headaches.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with delta opioid receptor agonists in headache models, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pradhan, Amynah Amir Ali — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Pradhan, Amynah Amir Ali
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.