Using sound waves to deliver non-opioid pain relief for chronic pain
Clinical Translation of Ultrasonic Ketamine Uncaging for Non-Opioid Therapy of Chronic Pain
This research explores a new way to deliver a non-opioid medication, ketamine, directly to a specific brain area using ultrasound to help people with chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10899406 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with chronic pain rely on opioid medications, which can lead to addiction. This project focuses on a brain area called the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which plays a key role in chronic pain. We are developing a method to deliver ketamine, a non-opioid drug, precisely to the ACC using special sound waves. This approach aims to provide strong pain relief without affecting the rest of the body, potentially offering a safer and more effective treatment for long-lasting pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is ultimately intended for individuals experiencing chronic pain, particularly those for whom current treatments are insufficient or who wish to avoid opioid medications.
Not a fit: Patients whose pain is not related to the anterior cingulate cortex or who do not have chronic pain may not benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new, non-addictive treatment option for chronic pain that provides long-lasting relief with fewer side effects than current systemic medications.
How similar studies have performed: While local therapies to the ACC have shown clinical benefit for chronic pain, this specific method of ultrasonic drug delivery is a novel and untested approach in humans.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Airan, Raag D — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Airan, Raag D
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.