Understanding how kappa opioid receptors work to relieve itching
Official title: Deciphering the complex pharmacology of kappa opioid receptor: Towards the understanding of a third signaling pathway and its essential role in antipruritic effect
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11054696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a specific receptor in the body can help reduce itching, with the hope of finding new ways to treat conditions that cause severe itchiness, so people can feel more comfortable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,124 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA060451-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic itch due to various dermatological or systemic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute itch that is easily managed or those without any itch-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex signaling pathways of kappa opioid receptors (KOR) that play a role in reducing itchiness. By exploring how KOR interacts with various proteins and pathways in the body, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for conditions that cause severe itching. The research involves both laboratory experiments and analysis of cellular responses to KOR activation, focusing on how these interactions can influence itch relief. Patients may benefit from insights gained into new therapeutic targets for itch management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from chronic itching.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific signaling pathways being investigated are novel, previous research has shown that targeting GPCRs can lead to significant advancements in treatment options.
Where this research is happening
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Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Inan, Saadet — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Inan, Saadet
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.