Targeting the CB2 cannabinoid receptor to develop non-psychoactive treatments
Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Structure and Allosteric Modulators
Creating new small-molecule drugs that attach to a specific part of the CB2 receptor to help people with chronic pain, neuroinflammatory autoimmune conditions, or addiction without causing a marijuana-like high.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145878 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using high-resolution images of the human CB2 receptor and computer modeling to find hidden (allosteric) sites that can tune receptor activity. Chemists will design and synthesize new small molecules aimed at those allosteric pockets. The team will test those compounds in laboratory assays and biological models to pick candidates that are subtype-selective and avoid CB1-linked psychoactive effects. Successful candidates could then move toward further preclinical work and eventual clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic neuropathic pain, neuroinflammatory autoimmune disorders, or addiction-related conditions that might benefit from non-psychoactive CB2-targeting therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose illnesses are not related to CB2 signaling or who need immediate, already-approved treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to CB2-specific medicines that reduce pain and inflammation while avoiding psychotropic side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior drugs aimed at CB2 have struggled with selectivity and efficacy, but recent receptor structures and the focus on allosteric modulators are promising and represent a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Xiang-Qun — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Xie, Xiang-Qun
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.