Investigating how nociceptin affects sleep and pain management
Official title: Nociceptin, NOPR and Sleep/Wake Control
Funded at Sri International · NIH-11046557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called nociceptin affects sleep and pain, using special mice to see what happens when nociceptin is missing, with the hope of finding new, safer ways to treat chronic pain that also helps with sleep issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sri International NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Menlo Park, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $839,815 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS136808-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain and related sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or sleep issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of nociceptin and its receptor in regulating sleep and pain sensations. By using a special mouse model, researchers will examine how the absence of nociceptin affects sleep patterns and body temperature. The study aims to identify new, non-addictive treatments for chronic pain, which is often linked to insomnia. If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that help manage pain without the risks associated with opioids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, non-addictive options for managing chronic pain and improving sleep quality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nociceptin receptor agonists for pain management, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Sri International
Menlo Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kilduff, Thomas S — Sri International
- Study coordinator: Kilduff, Thomas S
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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.