New drugs targeting the 5‑HT7 serotonin receptor to relieve nerve pain
Research Project-2: Functionally Selective Ligands Targeting 5-HT7 Receptor as Potential Antinociceptive Agents
Developing new drugs that act on a serotonin receptor to help people with chronic neuropathic (nerve) pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11413498 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing and testing chemicals that bind to the 5‑HT7 serotonin receptor to find compounds that reduce nerve pain. They will study how these compounds work in cells and animal models, focusing on different signaling pathways (G‑protein vs β‑arrestin) to identify safer options. The team aims to improve drug selectivity to avoid effects at other brain receptors that can cause side effects and addiction. Promising candidates from these lab studies could be advanced toward safety testing and future human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic neuropathic (nerve) pain who have had poor relief or unacceptable side effects from current treatments.
Not a fit: People with acute pain, pain from non‑neuropathic causes, or conditions not linked to 5‑HT7 receptor pathways are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to non‑opioid medicines that relieve neuropathic pain with fewer side effects and lower addiction risk.
How similar studies have performed: Several animal studies of 5‑HT7 receptor agonists have shown pain relief, but results have been mixed and the approach remains under study.
Where this research is happening
Tallahassee, United States
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ — Tallahassee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ablordeppey, Seth Y — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ
- Study coordinator: Ablordeppey, Seth Y
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.