Targeting FABP5 to ease chronic pain
FABP5: Novel Functions in Pain Modulation
Testing whether blocking a protein called FABP5 can boost natural pain-relief fats and ease chronic pain in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285239 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on FABP5, a protein that carries signaling fats involved in pain and inflammation, and whether blocking it can raise levels of the body's own pain-relief lipids. Researchers will use laboratory and animal models to study how FABP5 inhibitors change lipid signaling and lower pro-inflammatory, pro-pain molecules. The team aims to move promising compounds through preclinical testing toward human trials as new non-opioid pain medicines. If successful, this could lead to safer, non-addictive options for people living with chronic pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with chronic pain who have not achieved adequate relief from current analgesics could be candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People with congenital absence of pain sensitivity or those needing immediate short-term relief for acute injuries may not benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new non-opioid pain medications that boost the body's own pain-relief lipids and reduce inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies show FABP5 inhibitors reduce pain in animal models and some compounds are moving toward human testing, but human effectiveness is not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaczocha, Martin — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Kaczocha, Martin
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.