Targeting sensory neurons to manage acute pain
Official title: Selective actin remodeling of sensory neurons for acute pain management
Funded at Neurocarrus, INC. · NIH-10603436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with sudden pain feel better using a special protein that targets the nerves responsible for pain, aiming to provide relief without the risks of addiction or side effects from regular pain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neurocarrus, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Monterey, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,776,138 |
| NIH project number | 2R44NS120337-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10603436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience acute pain, particularly those at risk for complications from traditional pain management therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic pain conditions or those who do not respond to sensory neuron-targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to manage acute pain by selectively remodeling actin in sensory neurons. The method involves an engineered protein called N-001, which specifically targets sensory neurons to induce localized pain relief without affecting the central nervous system. By focusing on the cytoskeleton of these neurons, the treatment aims to reduce the risk of addiction and other side effects associated with traditional pain medications. The study builds on previous findings that demonstrated the feasibility of this approach in managing postoperative pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, safer method for managing acute pain without the risk of substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting sensory neurons for pain management, but this specific approach using N-001 is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Neurocarrus, INC.
Monterey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blum, Paul — Neurocarrus, INC.
- Study coordinator: Blum, Paul
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Building Indigenous Research Infrastructure for Substance Misuse and Pain Management
A planned two-year effort helps the Lumbee Tribe build a community-led research infrastructure to better understand and address substance misuse and pain in their community.
-
Coordinated pain care using technology in community clinics
A large, real-world study will test a coordinated, multi-component pain care plan in community health centers to help people with chronic musculoskeletal pain get non-opioid and holistic treatments.
-
Cold-triggered numbing for on-demand pain relief
An injectable that stays inactive until the area is cooled, releasing a tiny amount of a powerful numbing drug to give on-demand local pain relief.
-
Tailored opioid tapering and pain support after spine surgery for patients using opioids long-term
A Stanford-backed plan helps people who already take opioids before spine surgery to taper safely after surgery and get non-opioid pain relief.
-
Gut microbiome targets to ease sickle cell pain in patients
Researchers are studying how gut microbes affect chronic pain in people with sickle cell disease and how penicillin prophylaxis in babies might change pain pathways.
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.