Novel pain biomarker for neuropathy that could guide therapy
Official title: Discovery and Validation of a Novel Response Biomarker Signature for Painful Peripheral Neuropathy
Funded at Lasmed, LLC · NIH-11416173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to develop and test a biomarker that reflects how well peripherally acting pain medicines work for people with painful peripheral neuropathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lasmed, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mountain View, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $794,858 |
| NIH project number | 4R33NS122298-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with peripheral neuropathy and ongoing neuropathic pain who are candidates for peripherally acting pain therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not experiencing peripheral neuropathic pain or those not undergoing peripherally acting pain therapies may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to refine a biomarker signature from nerve fibers in the skin that signals ongoing neuropathic pain and to validate it as a practical tool for measuring response to pain therapies. It uses a diode laser to selectively stimulate specific nerve fibers and to capture signals linked to pain, with the goal of guiding treatment choices. The work progresses from analytical validation toward initial clinical validation, aiming to support regulatory discussions and future patient use. If successful, the biomarker could help identify effective therapies faster and reduce reliance on opioids for neuropathic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective, personalized pain treatments and potentially avoid ineffective drugs or opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests this approach can capture nerve-fiber activity related to neuropathic pain, but clinical validation is still early and ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
Lasmed, LLC
Mountain View, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nemenov, Mikhail I. — Lasmed, LLC
- Study coordinator: Nemenov, Mikhail I.
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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.