Preventing pain after surgery using a new treatment approach
Official title: Targeting TLR4-lipid rafts to prevent postoperative pain
Funded at Raft Pharmaceuticals, LLC · NIH-10932172 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called RFT1124 to help manage pain after surgery, aiming to provide relief without the side effects of traditional pain medications like opioids and NSAIDs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Raft Pharmaceuticals, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $283,201 |
| NIH project number | 5R42NS132622-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932172 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled for surgery who are at risk of experiencing significant postoperative pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those with chronic pain unrelated to surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on managing postoperative pain, which is often inadequately treated due to concerns about the side effects of traditional pain medications. The team is developing a novel treatment called RFT1124, which targets specific proteins in nerve cells and immune cells involved in pain signaling. By altering the dynamics of cholesterol in these cells, the treatment aims to reduce pain without the risks associated with common analgesics like NSAIDs and opioids. The approach has shown promise in laboratory settings, where it effectively blocked pain signals in nerve cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safer and more effective way to manage postoperative pain, improving recovery and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting pain pathways with innovative approaches, suggesting potential for this novel treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Raft Pharmaceuticals, LLC
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dougherty, Patrick M — Raft Pharmaceuticals, LLC
- Study coordinator: Dougherty, Patrick M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Postoperative Pain Guidelines for Pregnancy: Safer, Patient-Centered Opioid Use
We’re creating patient-friendly guidelines to help doctors manage pain after delivery and surgery in pregnant people, aiming to reduce opioid overuse and improve safety.
-
Using smart devices to better understand and treat pain after surgery
A Dartmouth-led project uses smartphones and wearables with smart AI to predict and manage persistent pain that can follow surgery.
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Contemporary Human Models of Postoperative Pain in General Surgery
A study in general surgery patients using biopsychosocial approaches to understand why some people have long-lasting pain after surgery.
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Better Predicting and Personalizing Postoperative Pain Care
Aimed at using advanced data tools to better predict and manage a patient’s pain after surgery and reduce opioid-related risks.
-
Central glutamate signaling in postoperative pain regulation
This grant studies how brain circuits control pain after surgery to help develop non-opioid pain medicines for patients.
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Extended-release gel for opioid-free postoperative pain relief
A new injectable gel formulation of bupivacaine is being tested to provide pain relief for several days after surgery without using opioids.
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.