Funded Projects

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Project # Project Title Research Focus Area Research Program Administering IC Institution(s) Investigator(s) Location(s) Year Awarded
1UG3NS123958-01
Development of a CCKBR-targeting scFv as Therapy for Chronic Pain Patients Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Development and Optimization of Non-Addictive Therapies to Treat Pain NINDS UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR WESTLUND-HIGH, KARIN N (contact); ALLES, SASCHA R Albuquerque, NM 2021
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:

Cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR) is a molecule found in the brain that helps regulate anxiety and depression but also influences the development of tolerance to opioids. CCKBR levels are also increased in models of nerve injury-induced (neuropathic) pain. Therefore, targeting CCKBR may offer a new approach to treating neuropathic pain and the associated anxiety and depression. Researchers have developed mouse antibodies that can inactivate CCKBR. However, to be usable in humans without causing an immune response, these antibodies need to be modified to include more human sequences. This project will use a fragment of the CCKBR antibody, modify it with the addition of human antibody sequences, and then select the clones that bind most strongly and specifically to human CCKBR. These will then be tested in cell and animal models of neuropathic pain to identify the most promising candidates for further evaluation in humans.
3UG3NS123958-01S1
Neuroimmune Mechanisms of a Humanized CCK-B Receptor scFv as Therapy for Chronic Pain Patients Cross-Cutting Research Training the Next Generation of Researchers in HEAL 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.