Using ultrasound to activate ketamine for treating chronic pain without opioids
Clinical Translation of Ultrasonic Ketamine Uncaging for Non-Opioid Therapy of Chronic Pain
This study is looking at a new way to help people with chronic pain by using sound waves to activate ketamine in the brain, aiming to ease the emotional struggles that come with pain and improve overall treatment, which could also help those dealing with opioid use issues.
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-11090278 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating chronic pain by using ultrasonic technology to activate ketamine in the brain, specifically targeting the anterior cingulate cortex. The goal is to alleviate the emotional distress associated with chronic pain, which can significantly affect how patients perceive and experience pain. By focusing on the affective component of pain, this method aims to improve overall treatment outcomes for patients suffering from chronic pain and potentially other neuropsychiatric disorders. The research also explores the implications for treating opioid use disorder by addressing mood disturbances that often lead to relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain, particularly those with significant emotional distress related to their condition.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic pain or those with conditions that do not have an affective component may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-opioid therapy option for chronic pain management, reducing reliance on traditional pain medications.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ketamine for pain management is established, the specific approach of ultrasonic uncaging is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
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.