Understanding how the brain's opioid circuits affect pain and pain relief.
Official title: Midbrain opioid circuit dynamics in pain and endogenous analgesia
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10950050 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain circuits help us feel and manage pain, especially for people with chronic pain, to find new ways to relieve pain without relying on opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $173,799 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DA060979-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950050 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions who may benefit from innovative pain management strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those not experiencing chronic pain may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of opioid circuits in the midbrain and their role in pain perception and relief. By studying how these circuits function, especially in the context of chronic pain and placebo effects, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better pain management strategies. The approach involves using preclinical models to observe how the brain's natural pain-relieving systems can be activated, potentially leading to new treatments that minimize reliance on opioids. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve pain management without the risks associated with opioid medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, safer methods for managing chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of the endogenous opioid system in pain relief, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kimmey, Blake — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kimmey, Blake
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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.