Understanding how the body's natural pain systems interact with opioids
Circuit and Synaptic Mechanisms of Endocannabinoid-Opioid Crosstalk
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · NIH-11118791
This research explores how the body's natural pain-relieving system, called the endocannabinoid system, can work with or against opioids to help manage pain and reduce addiction.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11118791 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The current opioid crisis highlights a critical need for new ways to manage pain without the risk of dependence and overdose. This project aims to uncover how the body's own endocannabinoid system interacts with opioid pathways at a very detailed level, looking at brain circuits, connections between cells, and molecular processes. By understanding these interactions, we hope to find new strategies that can reduce the rewarding effects of opioids, which contribute to addiction, while still keeping their powerful pain-relieving benefits. This could lead to safer and more effective treatments for pain and opioid use disorder.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients experiencing chronic pain or opioid use disorder who could benefit from novel treatment approaches.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this basic science research, as it is focused on understanding fundamental mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new, non-opioid medications for pain management and improved treatments for opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary results and existing evidence suggest a functional interaction between the opioid and endocannabinoid systems, providing a strong basis for this research.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAJADHYAKSHA, ANJALI M — TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- Study coordinator: RAJADHYAKSHA, ANJALI M
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.