A new $12 million NIH grant will support researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals Pain Management Center as they work towards developing small molecules that target specific neurons in the amygdala responsible for making pain feel unpleasant. This approach aims to create a non-opioid pathway for chronic pain management, reducing reliance on opioids and their associated risks.
Chronic pain affects millions worldwide, significantly impacting quality of life and daily functions. Research has pinpointed the role of neurons in the amygdala in driving emotional suffering, providing an opportunity to develop new therapies that can ease suffering without sacrificing sensation.
“Pain is unpleasant,” said Gregory Scherrer, associate professor at UNC Department of Cell Biology and Physiology. “Our goal is to target specific neurons in the brain to turn off the ‘unpleasantness’ of pain while maintaining sensation.”
The team is working on a small molecule that activates receptors in mouse models and the human amygdala, which could lead to the development of a new pain drug candidate. With the support of a multi-million dollar grant, they plan to elevate their research efforts over the next five years or more.
This breakthrough holds promise for chronic pain management and may reduce reliance on opioids, which can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. The researchers’ goal is to develop a non-opioid pain medication that can offer relief without the risks associated with traditional opioid treatments.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/pain-neuropharmacology-non-addictive-29605