Investigating new targets to reduce side effects of pain medications without affecting pain relief
Official title: Establishing Oprm1 exon 7-associated variants as novel therapeutic targets for mitigating adverse effects of clinically used mu opioids without altering analgesia in pain management
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11195091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic differences can help make pain medications like fentanyl and oxycodone safer by reducing side effects and the risk of addiction, which could lead to better pain relief options for patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $773,957 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA060222-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195091 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who require treatment for moderate-to-severe pain and are at risk of experiencing adverse effects from current opioid medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require opioid medications for pain management or those who are not affected by opioid-related side effects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific genetic variants related to mu opioid receptors can help mitigate the negative side effects of commonly used pain medications like fentanyl and oxycodone. By studying these variants, the researchers aim to develop new therapeutic strategies that maintain effective pain relief while reducing the risk of addiction and other adverse effects. The approach involves using advanced genetic techniques and mouse models to explore the role of these variants in pain management. Patients may benefit from safer pain management options if the research is successful.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer pain management options that minimize the risk of addiction and other side effects associated with opioid use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific genetic variants to improve pain management outcomes, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Ying-Xian — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Pan, Ying-Xian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting OPRM1 exon 7 variants to reduce opioid side effects without reducing pain relief
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A large, real-world study will test a coordinated, multi-component pain care plan in community health centers to help people with chronic musculoskeletal pain get non-opioid and holistic treatments.
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.