Using palmitoylethanolamide to treat chronic inflammatory pain

Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Palmitoylethanolamide for Chronic Inflammatory Pain Conditions

Phase 2 Interventional Navy Medical Center San Diego · NCT06273462

This study is testing if a natural supplement called palmitoylethanolamide can help people with chronic inflammatory pain feel better and improve their daily function.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorNavy Medical Center San Diego Federal
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT06273462 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a naturally occurring supplement, in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic inflammatory pain conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either PEA or a placebo for a duration of 8 weeks. The study focuses on conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain syndromes, which often do not respond well to conventional pain management strategies. By investigating PEA's potential anti-inflammatory properties, the trial seeks to provide insights into alternative therapeutic options for chronic pain management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing chronic inflammatory pain for over three months with a pain intensity of 5/10 or greater who have not found relief from other conservative therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with severe allergies to specific food components such as nuts, eggs, or soy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic inflammatory pain.

How similar studies have performed: While research on PEA has shown promise in Europe for inflammatory pain conditions, similar studies have not been conducted in the United States, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic Inflammatory Pain of greater than 3 months duration and greater than or equal to 5/10 intensity that has not responded to other conservative therapies such as rest, ice, compression or other oral medications.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe allergy to any specific food component such as nut, egg or soy

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Painchronic painsupplementalternative therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.