Medications that activate GIRK1/2 channels to relieve pain
Discovery and characterization of selective GIRK1/2 activators and their evaluation in preclinical models of pain
This project develops new drugs that activate GIRK1/2 channels to reduce acute and chronic pain while aiming to avoid opioid-like side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11358281 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing and testing chemicals that selectively turn on GIRK1/2 potassium channels, which help calm overactive pain signals. They use laboratory and mouse models of acute and inflammatory pain to find compounds that relieve pain without causing movement problems or rewarding effects linked to addiction. The team also checks whether these drugs can boost morphine’s pain relief so lower opioid doses might be effective. If results are promising, the work will move toward the preclinical steps needed to start human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with moderate-to-severe acute or inflammatory chronic pain who are seeking alternatives to opioids could be future candidates for clinical trials.
Not a fit: People without pain, those whose pain is unlikely to involve GIRK pathways, or anyone needing immediate clinical care are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to non-opioid pain medicines that relieve pain with less risk of addiction, respiratory depression, and motor side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown GIRK activators can produce analgesia and enhance morphine effects in mice, but human testing is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hopkins, Corey R. — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hopkins, Corey R.
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 below.