Funded Projects

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Project # Project Title Research Focus Area Research Program Administering IC Institution(s) Investigator(s) Location(s) Year Awarded
1UC2AR082186-01
Mapping the Joint-Nerve Interactome of the Knee Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Restoring Joint Health and Function to Reduce Pain (RE-JOIN) NIAMS RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER MALFAIT, ANNE-MARIE; LOTZ, MARTIN K; MILLER, RICHARD J Chicago, IL 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Restoring Joint Health and Function to Reduce Pain Consortium (RE-JOIN) (UC2 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-AR-22-009
Summary:

This project will use a variety of technologies to create a comprehensive, 3D map of how sensory neurons activate knee joints in both mice and humans. The research will use imaging techniques and molecular approaches that measure gene expression. The findings will help create a comprehensive gene expression profile map of individual cells in the nerve fibers leading to the knee, as well as describe how nerve cells and joint cells interact at the most fundamental level. This research will generate a rich anatomical and molecular resource to understand the molecular basis of joint pain and guide the development of novel pain-relieving strategies.
1R01DK135076-01
PNPase Inhibition as an Effective Treatment for Chronic Bladder Pain Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain NIDDK UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH BIRDER, LORI A (contact); JACKSON, EDWIN KERRY Pittsburgh, PA 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Pain Treatment (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: NS22-034
Summary:

Chronic visceral pain disorders, such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, are among the most difficult types of pain to treat. This project will conduct a detailed analysis of an enzyme thought to be involved with the disorder (purine nucleoside phosphorylase, or PNPase) as a target for new nonopioid pain medications to treat interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. The research will lay the groundwork for developing targeted treatments for visceral pain disorders.
1UG3NS127258-01A1
A First-in-Class, Mechanism-Guided, Cell-Based Therapy for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Development and Optimization of Non-Addictive Therapies to Treat Pain NINDS CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU CHENG, JIANGUO Cleveland, OH 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-21-010
Summary:

Complex regional pain syndrome is one of the most disabling and difficult-to-treat chronic pain conditions. This project seeks to develop a novel, biological treatment for the condition using injected human bone marrow cells. that can form and repair skeletal tissues and control nervous and immune system activity. The research will determine the dose and source of clinical-grade bone marrow cells needed, toward the goal of submitting an Investigational New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that will enable further clinical study.
1U19NS130617-01
Harvard PRECISION Human Pain Center Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain NINDS BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL RENTHAL, WILLIAM RUSSELL (contact); WOOLF, CLIFFORD J Boston, MA 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Discovery and Functional Evaluation of Human Pain-associated Genes and Cells (U19 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: NS22-018
Summary:

This project will use state-of-the-art technologies to analyze individual cells to characterize how human pain receptors communicate pain between the human dorsal root ganglia and the brain – including how the signals vary across diverse populations. This research will generate useful, high-quality human data about pain for further analysis and re-use by other scientific teams, toward identifying and prioritizing novel therapeutic targets for pain.
1UC2AR082197-01
Neural Architecture of the Murine and Human Temporomandibular Joint Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Restoring Joint Health and Function to Reduce Pain (RE-JOIN) NIAMS DUKE UNIVERSITY DONNELLY, CHRISTOPHER RYAN; CAI, DAWEN; EMRICK, JOSHUA JAMES Durham, NC 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Restoring Joint Health and Function to Reduce Pain Consortium (RE-JOIN) (UC2 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-AR-22-009
Summary:

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are the most common form of chronic pain in the face and mouth area (orofacial pain), but relatively little is known about the biological causes of these conditions. This project will define the properties of sensory neurons that connect to tissues that make up the TMJ which connects the lower jaw and skull. This research aims to lay groundwork for development of new therapeutic approaches to treat these painful conditions.
1R01DK134989-01
Signal Integration by Specialized Mesenchyme in Urothelial Homeostasis and Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain NIDDK STANFORD UNIVERSITY BEACHY, PHILIP A Redwood City, CA 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Pain Treatment (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: NS22-034
Summary:

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a debilitating disease affecting many women. Opioid-based pain management is a common feature of current treatment approaches but is associated with the risk of addiction. The causes of this disorder remain unknown, and no effective treatments are available. This project will provide new insights using genetic, medication-based and other approaches in a mouse model, along with single-cell gene expression studies conducted with cells from mice and human patients who have this condition. The analyses will help provide targeted, safe, and effective treatment approaches for individuals with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.
3R01DE029202-01S2
Validation of Blocking TSP4/Cava2d1 Interaction as a New Target for Neuropathic Pain Cross-Cutting Research Leveraging Existing and Real-Time Opioid and Pain Management Data NIDCR UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE LUO, ZHIGANG DAVID Irvine, CA 2022
NOFO Title: Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Availability of Administrative Supplements for Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative awardees to make data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) through the HEAL Data Ecosystem
NOFO Number: NOT-OD-22-033
Summary:

This research provides support to strengthen data management, data sharing, and data readiness efforts within the HEAL Initiative. This support further fosters collaboration among HEAL awardees and enables maximal data discoverability, interoperability, and reuse by aligning with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles. It also provides an opportunity for existing HEAL Initiative award recipients to increase data “FAIR”-ness, participate in coordinated HEAL Initiative activities to build community around data sharing, and foster sustainability of HEAL Initiative digital assets.
1U19NS130607-01
INTERCEPT: Integrated Research Center for Human Pain Tissues Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain NINDS WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY GEREAU, ROBERT W Saint Louis, MO 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Discovery and Functional Evaluation of Human Pain-associated Genes and Cells (U19 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: NS22-018
Summary:

This project will use a variety of state-of-the-art technologies to generate a comprehensive  gene expression map of human peripheral nerves. The research will enhance understanding about genes involved in various painful conditions associated with nerve damage (neuropathies) resulting from injury or disease. This research will analyze DNA sequences of individual neuronal and non-neuronal cells in human nerve cells (from individuals with and without pain located outside the spinal cord that are involved in pain signal transmission. The findings, together with other imaging and computational approaches, will be used to generate a spatial atlas of the human dorsal root ganglia – a key hub for pain communication between the brain and spinal cord.
1R61NS126029-01A1
Inhibiting RIPK1 with Necrostatin-1 for Safe and Effective Pain Treatment Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Development and Optimization of Non-Addictive Therapies to Treat Pain NINDS Massachusetts General Hospital SHEN, SHIQIAN (contact); HOULE, TIMOTHY T; WANG, CHANGNING ; ZHANG, CAN MARTIN Boston, MA 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Planning Studies for Initial Analgesic Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: NS21-029
Summary:

Recent studies have reported that neuropathic pain involves changes in the central nervous system that are linked to necroptosis (programmed necrotic cell death) and release of cellular components that create neuroinflammation. Necroptosis is a type of necrotic cell death affected by the protein receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1 or RIP1). Preliminary studies also indicate that pain increases levels of RIPK1 in key brain regions implicated in pain processing. This project aims to further validate RIPK1 as a target for neuropathic pain using a newly developed positron emission tomography imaging approach. The work will pave the way for new brain-penetrant RIPK1 inhibitors as a safe, effective, and nonaddictive treatment approach for neuropathic pain.
1R61CA278594-01
Achieving Equity through SocioCulturally-Informed, Digitally-Enabled Cancer Pain managemeNT" (ASCENT) Clinical Trial Clinical Research in Pain Management Advancing Health Equity in Pain Management NCI Mayo Clinic CHEVILLE, ANDREA LYNNE (contact); DOUBENI, CHYKE ABADAMA Rochester, MN 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Advancing Health Equity in Pain Management (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required)
NOFO Number: NS22-002
Summary:

Cancer pain treatment disparities are associated with a decreased ability to tolerate treatment, as well as increased rates of disability, unemployment, institutionalization, and early death. The Achieving Equity through SocioCulturally-informed, Digitally-Enabled Cancer Pain managemeNT (ASCENT) clinical trial will test whether a novel digitally enabled, collaborative approach to team-based pain management can improve clinical outcomes and reduce long-standing and devastating disparities among rural dwelling and Hispanic/Latinx cancer survivors. A major focus of the randomized, effectiveness clinical trial is to test the hypothesis that the ASCENT intervention will reduce pain and unplanned healthcare use, while improving function, mood, sleep, and quality of life.
1R01DA056646-01
Ghrelin Deacylase as a Treatment for Opioid Polysubstance Abuse Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA University of Kentucky Research Foundation ZHAN, CHANG-GUO (contact); ZHENG, FANG Lexington, KY 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Novel Targets for Opioid Use Disorders and Opioid Overdose (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-22-031
Summary:

There is an urgent need for novel substance use disorder treatments aimed at treating polysubstance use disorders, such as opioid and methamphetamine co-use. One promising new target is the peptide ghrelin, which recent studies have implicated in drug- and reward-relevant behaviors. This research project will investigate the recently identified enzyme, ghrelin deacylase, that affects the activity of ghrelin to attenuate the rewarding and reinforcing effects of fentanyl and heroin in combination with methamphetamine. The researchers will also design and test new, long-acting forms of ghrelin deacylase that may be potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of polysubstance use disorders.
R41DA055405-01
Virtual Reality Facilitation of Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder Cross-Cutting Research Small Business Programs NIDA Relate XR LLC OBERLIN, BRANDON G (contact); NELSON, ANDREW Indianapolis, IN 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: America’s Startups and Small Businesses Build Technologies to Stop the Opioid Crisis (R43/R44 - Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-020
Summary:

Relapse is common in people with opioid use disorder, and recovery attempts often fail within 6 months. This research project will test a novel virtual reality intervention to improve recovery outcomes for people recovering from opioid use disorder. By increasing future orientation and delay-of-reward behavior with a precision medicine personalized experience, the intervention is designed to enhance advantageous decision-making and increase positive future outcomes. The results of this study will provide critical data for creating a commercially viable software product for facilitating relapse prevention and improving opioid use disorder recovery outcomes.
1R43NS125643-01
Development of an intranasal, direct to nerve treatment for headache disorders Cross-Cutting Research Small Business Programs NINDS Olfax, LLC BECKWITH, JONATHAN G (contact); COOK, JASON T Asheville, NC 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Development of Therapies and Technologies Directed at Enhanced Pain Management (R43/R44 – Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-20-011
Summary:

About 14% of U.S. adults report experiencing migraine symptoms within any given 3-month period, making it the second most disabling illness in the world. Nonspecific pain medications used in migraine (e.g., acetaminophen, nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs, opioids) are often not effective for severe migraine symptoms or cause significant adverse effects. A research team of migraine care specialists, device and drug developers, and clinical research specialists has created a technology for accurately delivering self-administered migraine medication to the upper nasal cavity. The technology enables development of a self-administered therapy to provide rapid pain relief without harsh and addictive side effects of existing migraine medications. This project will establish efficacy and evaluate commercial design feasibility for this treatment.
1RM1NS128741-01
From Nerve to Brain: Toward a Mechanistic Understanding of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Human Subjects Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Translating Discoveries into Effective Devices to Treat Pain NINDS Massachusetts General Hospital WAINGER, BRIAN JASON (contact); FREEMAN, ROY ; LOGGIA, MARCO LUCIANO Boston, MA 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Interdisciplinary Teams to Elucidate the Mechanisms of Device-Based Pain Relief (RM1 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: NS22-016
Summary:

Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) and related devices are commonly used for hard-to-treat pain conditions, but how they work remains unclear. This knowledge is important for improving device design and stimulation patterns, as well as for determining which patients will benefit. Through a series of clinical studies in patients with SCS devices, this project will explore the hypothesis that SCS devices reduce pain by changing the excitability of peripheral sensory nerve fibers in the spinal cord. The results should guide development of biomarkers to advance research further.
1R61NS129050-01
Integrating Nonpharmacologic Strategies for Pain with Inclusion, Respect, and Equity (INSPIRE): Tailored Digital Tools, Telehealth Coaching, and Primary Care Coordination Clinical Research in Pain Management Advancing Health Equity in Pain Management NINDS University of California, San Francisco SATTERFIELD, JASON M San Francisco, CA 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Advancing Health Equity in Pain Management (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required)
NOFO Number: NS22-002
Summary:

There is a need to improve access to treatments and address the stigma, bias, and mistrust that harm and isolate people with chronic pain, especially those from ethnic and racial minority populations. The Integrating Nonpharmacologic Strategies for Pain with Inclusion, Respect, and Equity (INSPIRE) Chronic Pain (CP) intervention blends cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical therapy, mindfulness, and pain education, and is delivered by a trilingual mobile app and supported by a telehealth pain coach who coordinates with doctors. The coach will collect and summarize patient reports on pain, depression, anxiety, substance use, and social factors, and share them with healthcare providers. In this project, researchers will create the digital tool and coaching protocol, develop educational and implementation strategies for healthcare providers, and conduct a pilot test. They will then perform a randomized clinical trial to compare INSPIRE to current treatment, analyze its effects, and evaluate outcomes.
1R01DA056828-01
Brain-Penetrant GPR88 Agonists as Novel Therapeutics for Opioid Abuse Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute SMITH, LAYTON HARRIS; KENNY, PAUL J La Jolla, CA 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Novel Targets for Opioid Use Disorders and Opioid Overdose (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-22-031
Summary:

Opioid dependence is a leading cause of premature illness and death. Previous research suggests that a protein called G-protein coupled receptor (GPR88) controls many addiction-relevant behavioral and physiological actions of opioids. This research study will validate GPR88 as a drug target for opioid use disorder as well as develop novel, brain-penetrant GPR88-binding molecules with properties optimized for treating opioid dependence. This research is an initial step toward the goal of developing GPR88-binding molecules as novel therapeutics to facilitate abstinence in people dependent on opioids.
R44DA053845-01A1
Fast-track: Scalable Digital Delivery of Evidence-Based Training for Addiction Professionals to Maximize Treatment Admission and Retention Rates of Opioid Use Disorder in Affected Families Cross-Cutting Research Small Business Programs NIDA Public Health Management Corporation; We the Village, Inc MACKY, JANE Philadelphia, PA; New York, NY 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: America’s Startups and Small Businesses Build Technologies to Stop the Opioid Crisis (R43/R44 - Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-19-019
Summary:

Effective medication-based treatment could prevent overdose deaths and help individuals recover from opioid use disorder, but only a fraction of those in need access treatment or receive a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. One way to improve people’s choice to seek and stay in treatment is to improve training for addiction treatment counselors beyond current methods that rely on brief online or in-person workshops. The goal of this research project is to develop and evaluate the technical feasibility and commercial viability of a scalable digital program to train behavioral addiction professionals in Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), an evidence-based approach to increase treatment entry, using ongoing counselor training with feedback and coaching.
3UH3NS116218-02S1
Novel mGlu5 Negative Allosteric Modulators as First-in-Class Non-Addictive Analgesic Therapeutic Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Development and Optimization of Non-Addictive Therapies to Treat Pain NINDS Vanderbilt University ROOK, JERRI MICHELLE Nashville, TN 2022
NOFO Title: Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements. Parent Grant: HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: Supplement: PA-20-272; Parent NOFO: NS-21-010
Summary:

Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor, mGlu5, have shown promise for treatment of multiple pain conditions without the serious adverse effects and safety concerns associated with opioids. This project will develop and test a novel series of highly selective mGlu5 NAMs that are structurally unrelated to earlier failed compounds and do not form toxic byproducts as with previous mGlu5 NAMs. A lead candidate is now being characterized in several studies to assess readiness for testing in Phase I clinical studies.
3UG3NS123958-01S1
Neuroimmune Mechanisms of a Humanized CCK-B Receptor scFv as Therapy for Chronic Pain Patients Cross-Cutting Research NINDS University of New Mexico WESTLUND-HIGH, KARIN N Albuquerque, NM 2022
NOFO Title: Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: PA21-071
Summary:

There are currently few effective therapies available for chronic nerve injury-induced pain, associated anxiety, and depression. This project aims to extend previous research aiming to uncover the mechanism of action of artificially modified immune molecules (humanized cholecystokinin-2 receptor [CCKBR] single-chain variable fragments [scFv]) on human neurons and how it reverses chronic pain and anxiety-like behaviors in mouse models. This potential treatment approach offers important advantages over existing therapies, including extreme specificity, higher affinity, brain/nerve penetrance, safety, and reduced self-immunogenicity.
1R01DA057120-01
Characterization, Optimization, and Development of Dual mGlu2/3 Positive Allosteric Modulators for Opioid Use Disorder Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute COSFORD, NICHOLAS DAVID; VELICELEBI, GONUL La Jolla, CA 2022
NOFO Title: Strategic Alliances for Medications Development to Treat Substance Use Disorders (R01Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: PAR-19-318
Summary:

Given recent increases in co-use of opioids and methamphetamine, there is a dire need for novel treatment strategies that prevent relapse to drug use in both opioid use disorder (OUD) and methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). The localization of certain receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate—metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes 2 and 3 (mGlu2/3)—and the mechanism through which they transmit signals, strongly suggest that activation of both of these receptors will effectively treat multiple symptoms that contribute to relapse, such as responsiveness to drug cues, physical withdrawal symptoms, neuroinflammation, and sleep disturbances. This project seeks to evaluate molecules that can activate mGlu2/3 receptors without binding to the same site as glutamate (i.e., positive allosteric modulators) as a novel pharmacological treatment for preventing relapse to OUD. The research also will examine the potential of such modulators for treating MUD.
1R21DA056740-01
Recruiting Active Expiration to Overcome Opioid-Induced Persistent Apnea Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA University of California, Los Angeles FELDMAN, JACK L Los Angeles, CA 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Novel Targets for Opioid Use Disorders and Opioid Overdose (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-22-032
Summary:

Prescription opioids provide pain relief, but overdose can be fatal because opioids also depress breathing through opioid-induced persistent apnea, when breathing stops. This research will determine whether targeted activation of a specific, opioid-insensitive brain region that triggers exhalation can increase tolerance to fentanyl-induced apnea. The research also seeks to identify the receptors responsible for this exhalation, which could be targets for new medications that prevent the negative impact of opioids on breathing. This research lays the groundwork for more preclinical and translational studies to prevent opioid-induced persistent apnea. 
R24DA055306-01
Wake Forest IMPOWR Dissemination Education and Coordination Center (IDEA-CC) NIDA Wake Forest University Health Sciences ADAMS, MEREDITH C B Winston-Salem, NC 2022
NOFO Title: Administrative Supplements to Support Collaborations to Improve the AI/ML-Readiness of NIH-Supported Data
NOFO Number: NOT-OD-22-067
Summary:

This research is intended to create multidisciplinary team science collaborations to develop effective interventions, best models of care for delivery of services, and sustainable implementation strategies for access to quality care for complex patients with chronic pain and opioid use disorder or opioid misuse. To allow comparison and analysis of data created in nine unique clinical trials funded across four centers, common data elements (CDEs) were selected to assess all aspects of a patient’s condition and experience. The purpose of this project is to make the IMPOWR CDE data more FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) by building a tool that will automate the mapping/conversion of HEAL-related data to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership data model that allows for systematic analysis of data from different databases. Upon completion, this tool would be shared with the HEAL research community as a new resource to enable broader harmonization and secondary data analysis.
1DP2TR004354-01
Scale Up Single-Cell Technologies to Map Pain-Associated Genes and Cells Across the Lifespan Cross-Cutting Research NCATS Massachusetts General Hospital SHU, JIAN Boston, MA 2022
NOFO Title: Emergency Awards: HEAL Initiative- New Innovator Award (DP2 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-tr-22-013
Summary:

Current treatments for chronic pain, including opioids, are not effective for many individuals. Much remains unknown about genes, circuits, and cells that contribute to chronic pain, including how chronic pain changes across the lifespan in certain populations, including infants, children, older people, and pregnant women. This project will develop technology to map the genes, circuits, and cells associated with pain across ages, sexes, and during pregnancy. The technologies will guide the search for new biomarkers for chronic pain diagnosis and treatments.
1R61DK135406-01
PAINED: Project Addressing Inequities in the Emergency Department Clinical Research in Pain Management Advancing Health Equity in Pain Management NIDDK Children's Research Institute GOYAL, MONIKA KUMARI Washington, DC 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Advancing Health Equity in Pain Management (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required)
NOFO Number: NS22-002
Summary:

Clinician bias causes inequities in healthcare, and interventions are needed to mitigate and eradicate this bias. This project aims to develop and test the impact of two interventions on overcoming clinician implicit bias in the management of pain for children from ethnic minorities treated in the emergency department. The study will include pediatric patients from under-represented minority groups with pain from long-bone fractures or acute appendicitis who are cared for by racially and ethnically diverse caregivers. Researchers will use stakeholder-informed approaches to establish quality of care metrics and then use clinician audit and feedback as well as data from electronic health records to quantify evidence of bias.      
1R01DA056673-01
Targeting Tiam1-Mediated Synaptic Plasticity for the Relief of Opioid Tolerance Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA Baylor College of Medicine LI, LINGYONG (contact); TOLIAS, KIMBERLY Houston, TX 2022
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Novel Targets for Opioid Use Disorders and Opioid Overdose (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-22-031
Summary:

Chronic opioid use results in tolerance, a primary driver for opioid misuse and overdose that directly contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Changes in neuronal connectivity known as synaptic plasticity are a key determinant of opioid tolerance, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Tiam1 is a protein known to control the development of nerve cells and their connections and is also involved in morphine-induced neuronal changes. This research will examine Tiam1-mediated synaptic plasticity underlying opioid tolerance and validate Tiam1 as a potential therapeutic target for prevention of tolerance development.