Targeting a specific enzyme to develop non-addictive pain relief medications
Official title: The lipid hydrolase NAAA as a target for non-addictive analgesic medications
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10918056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people manage pain without the risk of addiction by looking at a specific enzyme called NAAA, and it's testing how blocking this enzyme can reduce pain in animals to eventually create safer pain relief medications for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $576,282 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055578-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from acute pain conditions who are seeking effective pain management options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic pain conditions or those who do not respond to traditional analgesics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the enzyme N-Acylethanolamine Acid Amidase (NAAA) as a potential target for creating new pain relief medications that do not have the risk of addiction. The study involves testing how inhibiting NAAA can reduce pain responses in animal models, specifically looking at its effects on a lipid messenger that helps suppress pain. By understanding the mechanisms behind NAAA's action, the research aims to develop safer analgesics that can effectively manage pain without the side effects associated with traditional opioids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of non-addictive pain relief medications that provide effective treatment for acute pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting pain pathways, indicating potential for success in this novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piomelli, Daniele — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Piomelli, Daniele
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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.