New peptide pain relievers delivered through the nose

Novel Cyclic Peptide Analgesics for Intranasal delivery

NIH-funded research Florida Atlantic University · NIH-10973203

This study is looking at new nasal sprays made from special peptides that could help relieve both short-term and long-term pain without the risks of addiction that come with traditional pain medications.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFlorida Atlantic University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boca Raton, United States)
Project IDNIH-10973203 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative cyclic peptide analgesics that can be delivered intranasally to manage acute and chronic pain. The approach aims to create alternatives to traditional opioid medications, which often lead to tolerance and addiction. By targeting kappa-opioid receptors, these new peptides could provide effective pain relief without the adverse effects associated with current treatments. The study will explore how these peptides can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier to alleviate pain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from acute or chronic pain who are seeking alternative treatments to opioids.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience pain or have conditions unrelated to pain management may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective pain management options for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using kappa-opioid receptor agonists for pain relief, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Boca Raton, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.