Investigating how the body produces endocannabinoids to manage inflammation and pain
Official title: Endocannabinoid Biosynthesis in Inflammation and Pain
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10916351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special enzyme that helps make natural compounds in our body that can ease pain and inflammation, and it's testing new ways to deliver treatments directly to painful areas to help people find relief without using opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $501,620 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA043571-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions related to inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific enzyme, DAGLβ, in the production of endocannabinoids, which are compounds that help regulate pain and inflammation. The team is developing innovative methods to deliver inhibitors of this enzyme directly to areas of inflammation, aiming to provide effective pain relief without the use of opioids. By exploring how these inhibitors affect cellular signaling pathways, the research seeks to uncover new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for chronic pain management. Patients may benefit from advancements in non-addictive pain relief options as a result of this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new, non-addictive pain relief medications that specifically target inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using endocannabinoid modulation for pain management, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsu, Ku-Lung — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Hsu, Ku-Lung
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.