Investigating the effects of marine lipid supplements on chronic jaw pain.
Official title: Safety and analgesic efficacy of marine lipid precursors of specialized pro-resolving mediators in adults with chronic temporomandibular pain.
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11093724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether taking a special marine oil can help adults with chronic jaw pain from temporomandibular disorder (TMD) feel better, and it’s designed for people who are dealing with this kind of pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $603,502 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DE033354-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic pain related to temporomandibular disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic temporomandibular disorder or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential benefits of marine omega-3 fatty acids in alleviating chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). By conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, the study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a specific marine oil supplement in reducing pain intensity in adults suffering from TMD. Participants will be monitored for changes in pain levels using a numeric rating scale, and the study will utilize advanced techniques to analyze the biochemical effects of the treatment. The goal is to provide a scientifically rigorous assessment of this novel therapeutic approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new dietary supplement option for patients suffering from chronic jaw pain, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in pain management, but this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in a controlled trial setting.
Where this research is happening
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Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanders, Anne E. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Sanders, Anne E.
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.