Testing a new treatment for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury in pigs
Official title: Evaluation of 6SHG/EM1 as a treatment for spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain in a pig model
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10948892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with nerve pain from spinal cord injuries by testing a special treatment in pigs that closely resemble human conditions, to see if it can effectively reduce their pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005203-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and suffer from neuropathic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neuropathic pain not related to spinal cord injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel treatment for neuropathic pain resulting from spinal cord injuries using a pig model that closely mimics human conditions. The approach involves delivering a gene therapy that combines an NMDA antagonist and an opioid agonist directly into the spinal cord. By utilizing quantitative sensory testing methods adapted for pigs, researchers aim to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment in alleviating pain. The study builds on promising results from previous rodent research, aiming to validate these findings in a more clinically relevant animal model.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new and effective treatment for patients suffering from neuropathic pain after spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in rodent models has shown promising results with similar gene therapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Decatur, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Floyd, Candace L. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Floyd, Candace L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exploring how EphB2 and NMDA receptors drive pain after cervical spinal cord injury
This project looks at a specific molecular interaction in the spinal cord that may contribute to chronic pain after neck-level spinal cord injuries, with the goal of finding new ways to help patients who have neuropathic pain.
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Diet and pain in Veterans with spinal cord injury
A study to see if better diet quality is linked to lower chronic neuropathic pain in veterans with spinal cord injury.
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Gene therapy to relieve spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain
This project tests a one-time gene therapy (6SHG/EM1) to reduce long-lasting neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury using a pig model to help move toward human treatment.
-
Breathing-controlled electrical stimulation device for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
A new, non-drug device aims to reduce neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injuries using breathing-guided electrical stimulation.
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Understanding Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
This project looks at how certain brain signals contribute to long-lasting pain after a spinal cord injury, hoping to find new ways to help patients.
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A new device to help manage nerve pain after spinal cord injuries
This study is testing a new device called BreEStim that helps manage nerve pain for people with spinal cord injuries, offering a safe and drug-free way to find relief, and you can be part of this exciting research to help improve pain management!
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.