S1P1-targeted approach to relieve muscle and joint pain from aromatase inhibitors
Targeting Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P1) receptors for the treatment of Aromatase Inhibitors-induced Musculoskeletal Symptoms
This project looks at whether drugs that act on S1P1 receptors can reduce the muscle and joint pain many women experience while taking aromatase inhibitors for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11298976 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using lab models that mimic postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitors to study why these drugs cause joint pain and muscle achiness. They found higher S1P levels in the spinal cord after aromatase inhibitor treatment in mice and that removing S1P1 receptors in central nervous system cells prevented those pain-like changes. The team is testing an FDA-approved S1P-modulating drug (FTY720/fingolimod) in these models to see if it can block or reverse the symptoms. The goal is to confirm S1P1 as a target so that safe treatments can be developed or repurposed for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The eventual clinical candidates would be postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitors who are experiencing bothersome joint pain or muscle stiffness related to their therapy.
Not a fit: People not taking aromatase inhibitors, men, or patients whose pain is caused by other unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach, and patients with contraindications to S1P-modulating drugs may not be eligible for future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new or repurposed medicines that prevent or reduce aromatase inhibitor–related muscle and joint pain, helping more women stay on effective breast cancer therapy.
How similar studies have performed: This is a novel, preclinical approach supported by promising mouse data and a repurposing idea using an existing S1P-modulating drug, but it has not yet been tested in patients with aromatase inhibitor–related symptoms.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damaj, M. Imad — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Damaj, M. Imad
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 below.