Reducing Opioid Doses for Chronic Pain with Hsp90 Inhibitors

Development of Hsp90 Isoform- Selective Inhibitors as a Novel Opioid Dose-Reduction Therapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · NIH-11083770

This research explores a new way to help people with chronic pain get effective relief from opioids while using lower doses and experiencing fewer side effects.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TUCSON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11083770 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Managing ongoing pain often relies on opioid medications, but these can come with challenging side effects like tolerance, constipation, and addiction. Our team is looking into how a protein called Hsp90 affects how opioids work in the body. We've found that by targeting Hsp90 in the spinal cord, we might be able to make opioids more effective at relieving pain, allowing for smaller doses. This approach aims to maintain good pain control while significantly reducing the unwanted side effects associated with current opioid use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is most relevant to individuals living with chronic pain who currently rely on opioid medications for relief.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic pain or do not use opioid medications would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that allow patients to manage chronic pain with lower opioid doses, reducing side effects and improving quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel, building on initial findings that Hsp90 inhibition in the spinal cord can enhance opioid pain relief and reduce tolerance in preclinical models.

Where this research is happening

TUCSON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.