New treatments for nerve pain using specific serotonin blockers
Official title: Development of CNS-Active 5-HT3R Antagonists for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10861511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new medications that can help relieve neuropathic pain by targeting specific receptors in the brain, aiming to create better and safer options for adults who struggle with this tough-to-treat condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,587,553 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS131246-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who suffer from neuropathic pain and have not found relief with existing medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have neuropathic pain or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new medications that target serotonin receptors in the central nervous system to treat neuropathic pain, a condition that affects many adults and often does not respond well to existing treatments. The approach involves identifying compounds that can effectively penetrate the central nervous system and block the overactive serotonin receptors that contribute to pain. By using advanced drug design techniques and studying the structure of these receptors, the researchers aim to create safer and more effective pain relief options for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a new, effective treatment option for neuropathic pain that has fewer safety concerns compared to current analgesics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using serotonin receptor antagonists for pain relief, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elgendy, Bahaa — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Elgendy, Bahaa
Related research
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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.