Investigating how endocannabinoids interact with opioids to improve pain management
Official title: Circuit and Synaptic Mechanisms of Endocannabinoid-Opioid Crosstalk
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10864004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural system in our bodies interacts with pain medications like opioids, with the goal of finding safer ways to manage pain that reduce the risk of addiction and overdose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $667,788 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA054368-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain who are at risk of opioid dependence or those currently using opioids for pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or who are not using opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interaction between the endocannabinoid system and opioids to develop new treatment strategies for pain management. It focuses on enhancing levels of a specific endocannabinoid, 2-AG, to reduce the rewarding effects of opioids while preserving their pain-relieving properties. By examining the underlying circuit and synaptic mechanisms, the research aims to identify ways to mitigate opioid dependence and overdose risks. Patients may benefit from new non-opioid therapies that can effectively manage pain without the associated risks of opioid use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer pain management options that reduce the risk of opioid dependence and overdose.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using endocannabinoids to complement opioid treatments, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajadhyaksha, Anjali M — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Rajadhyaksha, Anjali M
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.