Understanding how oxytocin affects pain recovery after surgery

Creating PK/PD models for oxytocin action in humans and bridging to intranasal delivery

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11074070

This study is looking at how the hormone oxytocin can help people recover from surgery and manage pain better, especially by using a nasal spray, while also considering how things like age, sex, and weight might change how well it works for different individuals.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-11074070 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how oxytocin, a hormone known for its role in childbirth and social bonding, can influence recovery from surgery and pain management. By creating models to understand how oxytocin is absorbed and distributed in the body, the study aims to identify the best ways to administer this hormone, particularly through intranasal delivery. The research will also explore how individual factors like age, sex, and weight may affect the hormone's effectiveness in alleviating pain. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance recovery outcomes for patients undergoing surgery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals scheduled for surgery who may experience acute or chronic pain post-operation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those with conditions unrelated to pain management may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies and faster recovery times for surgical patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using oxytocin for pain management in animal models, but this approach is still being tested in humans.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.