New treatment for chronic neuropathic pain using a dual inhibitor
Official title: Clinical Phase I trials on an IND single molecule dual inhibitor of Cav3 channels and soluble epoxide hydrolase for treatment of neuropathic pain
Funded at Afasci, INC. · NIH-10923984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new medication called AFA-281 to see if it can help people with chronic nerve pain who haven't found relief with other treatments, by targeting specific pathways in the body to reduce pain and inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Afasci, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Redwood City, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,499,931 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NS132642-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic neuropathic pain, particularly those who have not found relief with existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from chronic neuropathic pain or those with pain conditions unrelated to the targets of this treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a new medication, AFA-281, designed to treat chronic neuropathic pain by inhibiting two specific targets in the body: Cav3 calcium channels and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The approach aims to address the limitations of current pain treatments, particularly for patients who do not respond well to existing therapies. By targeting both pathways, the medication may reduce pain and inflammation more effectively than current options. Patients participating in this trial will help evaluate the safety and efficacy of this innovative treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective non-opioid treatment option for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for pain relief, suggesting that this dual-inhibitor approach could be a novel and effective strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Afasci, INC.
Redwood City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Xinmin Simon — Afasci, INC.
- Study coordinator: Xie, Xinmin Simon
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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.