Using orexin to help manage chronic pain
Official title: Targeting spinal orexins to treat chronic pain
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11030416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that help control sleep and wakefulness might also affect chronic pain, and it hopes to find ways to block their signals to help reduce pain for people who suffer from it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $79,256 |
| NIH project number | 1F32NS136234-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030416 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those whose pain is not related to neuropathic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how orexin neurons in the brain influence chronic pain by sending signals to the spinal cord. It aims to understand the role of these neurons in pain transmission and how blocking their activity might reduce pain sensitivity. The study will utilize various physiological and behavioral methods to explore these connections and their potential impact on pain management. By focusing on the mechanisms of pain facilitation, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets for chronic pain relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce chronic pain for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting orexin pathways for pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stratton, Harrison James — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Stratton, Harrison James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain
A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.
-
Human pain center study to map normal and migraine-trigeminal neurons
A large NIH-funded project will map and study the human trigeminal neurons involved in migraines to understand what changes in these cells during headache conditions.
-
Understanding human pain neurons to improve migraine care
Researchers are studying human pain-sensing neurons to uncover what makes migraine start and persist, with the goal of better treatments for people who experience migraines.
-
Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care
A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.
-
Understanding how to use pharmacogenomic testing to guide chronic pain care
This grant looks at how doctors who treat long‑term pain decide when and how to use genetic testing to tailor pain medicines for safer and more effective care.
-
Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults
This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.
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.