Mapping how cannabis extracts interact with pain pathways using AI
Official title: AI-based Mapping of Complex Cannabis Extracts in Pain Pathways
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10990511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different parts of cannabis can work together to help manage chronic pain, using smart technology to find out how they interact in the body, which could lead to better treatments for people dealing with pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | February 14, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,686 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT012053-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain who are interested in alternative therapies involving cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or who are not interested in cannabis-based treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions of cannabis extracts, including cannabinoids and terpenoids, in managing chronic pain. Using an innovative artificial intelligence platform called DRIFT, the study aims to identify how these compounds bind to molecular targets in the body, potentially revealing new pathways for pain relief. By deconstructing the chemical structures of these compounds, the research seeks to understand their collective effects, known as the 'Entourage Effect', on pain management. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective cannabis-based therapies for pain relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted cannabis-based treatments for chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the therapeutic effects of cannabis, but this AI-driven approach is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vrana, Kent E — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Vrana, Kent E
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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.