Developing new, targeted drug treatments for complex reginal pain syndrome

Disease - Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Lead applicant - Professor Clare Bryant

Organisation - University of Cambridge

Type of grant - Special strategic award

Status of grant - Approved

Amount of the original award - £193,315.50

Start date - 01 March 2022

Reference - TBC

Public Summary

What are the aims of this research?

This research aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of complex regional pain syndrome in order to develop new treatments.

Why is this research important?

Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that can occur after injury and results in localised pain and swelling. The condition spontaneously resolves within a year in 20-30% of cases, however for others it then becomes chronic and rarely improves. Treatment options for complex regional pain syndrome are very limited, untargeted and often have side effects. It is therefore important to understand why complex regional pain syndrome develops and develop more effective drugs. In this project researchers will explore a group of genes known to be altered in people with the condition. The team will explore how these genes are involved in inflammation and pain, and look to develop new drug treatments to target the pathways involved.

How will these findings benefit patients?

The researchers hope that this study will lead to the identification of a new class of non-addictive painkillers that will reduce inflammation and pain to prevent the chronic stage of complex regional pain syndrome from developing. This has potential to improve the quality of life for people living with complex regional pain syndrome.