Brixton Biosciences, a clinical-stage life sciences company, announced today it has been awarded first-year funding of a $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative. The grant (No. R44AR084998) will support Brixton’s ongoing development of Neural Ice, an injectable and drug-free pain management technology designed to provide long-lasting relief from chronic and post-operative pain.
This funding is part of the NIH’s efforts to address the opioid crisis by advancing scientific solutions that reduce reliance on opioids for pain treatment.
The NIH HEAL Initiative is a nationwide effort to address the opioid public health crisis, funding research projects that explore innovative approaches to understanding, managing, and treating pain, as well as preventing opioid misuse and addiction. And Brixton Biosciences’ Neural Ice aligns with this mission as it represents a novel, drug-free alternative to opioids for pain management.
The NIH grant will enable Brixton to refine Neural Ice and accelerate its clinical application, expanding its development to indications beyond the initial study focused on chronic knee pain. And by focusing on non-pharmacological treatments, this initiative supports the broader healthcare mission of reducing opioid dependency while improving patient outcomes.
Brixton’s award from the NIH HEAL Initiative emphasizes a shared commitment to solving critical public health issues. The collaboration advances Brixton’s groundbreaking pain management research while contributing to a broader effort to stem the tide of opioid misuse across the country.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our award from the NIH HEAL Initiative is a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for non-opioid pain management solutions. This funding will further advance Neural Ice, helping us bring safer, non-addictive options to a broad array of patients who suffer from chronic and post-surgical pain. We’re proud to contribute to the fight against opioid misuse and addiction. We truly believe Neural Ice will change the landscape of pain relief.”
-Sameer Sabir, CEO and Co-Founder of Brixton Biosciences
