Projects
Use of fMRI for measuring pain
The project aims to validate the use of innovative non-invasive technology in early clinical trials in order to facilitate the development of novel analgesic medicines. To date, subjective measures are mainly available for use as early predictors of success or failure of novel analgesic drugs.
This project aims to identify and validate objective measures for use in early clinical trials. In addition to fMRI imaging parameters for pain, parameters related to personality traits and psychiatric co-morbidities (anxiety and depression) will also be identified in order to discern these phenomena from the actual pain sensation. Global objectives of the project are the development of innovative fMRI methodology and expertise for use in future Phase IIa pain studies and gaining a better understanding of the neuronal networks involved in pain and related psychiatric processes, which are valuable for the identification of new drug targets.
Partners: MSD, PRA International, and University Medical Center Groningen
Full project title: Validation of the use of fMRI as an objective measure in clinical pain models