Bryce Binstadt, MD, PhD, has received a Pilot Grant award from the Rheumatology Research Foundation for his research project titled “Targeting inflammatory joint pain with ultra-potent analgesics.”
From the Medical School Blog, published by Allison Malmsten on July 15, 2016
Bryce Binstadt, MD, PhD, has received a Pilot Grant award from the Rheumatology Research Foundation for his research project titled “Targeting inflammatory joint pain with ultra-potent analgesics.” Binstadt is a practicing clinician and associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics’ Division of Rheumatology. He currently heads a laboratory in the University of Minnesota’s Center for Immunology and has been named a Distinguished University Teaching Professor.
Binstadt will conduct this research in collaboration with Philip Portoghese, PhD, in the College of Pharmacy. Their work will consist of using mouse models to study the management of arthritis-related pain.
Previously, Portoghese’s group created ultra-potent analgesics, which not only have more potency than traditional narcotics, but also appear to not generate tolerance, meaning they will be less addictive.
“The Pilot Grant from the Rheumatology Research Foundation will allow us to perform initial experiments to determine whether these novel compounds are effective in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis,” says Binstadt. “If the compounds are effective, it would open the door for future studies in both the mouse model and in human patients with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, and other types of inflammatory arthritis.”
Binstadt is one of 85 rheumatology trainees and professionals who recently received awards from the Foundation. The recipients, ranging from medical students and residents to experienced investigators and rheumatologists, will receive funding for essential education and training, as well as innovative research projects. Their applications were closely examined by experts in different areas of the field through an extensive peer review process.