Investigating how the body processes endocannabinoids to manage acute pain
Official title: Endocannabinoid Metabolism in Acute Pain
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-10783795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural substance in the body called 2-AG helps manage pain, especially for people recovering from major surgeries, with the goal of finding safer pain relief options that don’t involve addictive opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $461,057 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA048002-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10783795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing major surgical procedures who experience acute pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic pain conditions unrelated to surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the metabolism of endocannabinoids, specifically 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and its role in acute pain management. By examining how 2-AG interacts with cannabinoid receptors and is broken down by enzymes, the study aims to identify new, non-opioid analgesics that can effectively treat pain without the risk of addiction. Patients who undergo major surgical procedures may particularly benefit, as the research seeks to improve pain control and reduce the likelihood of opioid dependence. The methodology includes analyzing patient samples to correlate 2-AG levels with pain experiences, providing insights into pain mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer and more effective pain relief options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in utilizing endocannabinoids for pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaczocha, Martin — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Kaczocha, Martin
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This study is all about finding better ways to understand and measure pain in babies and young kids so that doctors can create safer and more effective pain relief options for them.
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.