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EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant: The three winning pain research projects for 2025!
Since 2004, the European Pain Federation (EFIC®) and Grünenthal have provided support for early-career pain researchers in Europe via the E-G-G. Together, they have awarded funding worth nearly €2 million to around 75 pioneering projects across more than 14 countries. It is a truly unique opportunity for researchers who are looking for a path from academia into independent research. Now, we can reveal the three winning projects to receive funding in 2025!
Scientist: Franziska Karl-Schöller (Germany)
Project: Innervated in vitro skin model for postherpetic neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain condition that occurs after a patient suffers from shingles. Currently, most research into PHN uses animal-derived models of the skin – but these models do not accurately replicate the characteristics of PHN. This project aims to develop a more human-specific model. It explores lab-grown skin that includes nerve cells, known as innervated in-vitro skin models. In this way, the project aims to provide powerful tools to deepen the understanding of PHN pathomechanisms and accelerate the discovery of new treatments.
Scientist: Kissi Ama (Belgium)
Project: Unveiling Clinical Shadows: Examining the Impact of Racialised Stereotypes on Diagnostic Processes and Decisions
Pain is a common condition for all humans. However, there are significant differences in how it is experienced by different groups. For example, Black individuals often endure more intense and frequent pain than White individuals – but evidence indicates that Black people are less likely to receive adequate pain care than White people. This project will investigate how racialised stereotypes influence the type and amount of diagnostic information that healthcare providers seek when diagnosing children. In this way, it aims to make a positive impact on patients by preventing or reducing racialised inequities in pain care.
Scientist: Maddalena Comini (United Kingdom)
Project: Developing an RNA-based therapy to treat neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain has severe effects on patients’ lives. Unfortunately, current treatments mainly target the symptoms of this condition instead of the causes. This project aims to target genes involved in pain. It will test the effect of GapmeR antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in derived-sensory neurons (hiPSC-d SNs) that carry mutations linked to chronic neuropathic pain, and their corresponding 3D peripheral sensory organoids (hSeO). Overall, the project aims to support progress towards personalised medicines for treating neuropathic pain that are based on ribonucleic acids (RNAs).
These three exciting projects were selected by the E-G-G jury because they stood out as original proposals with clear potential to make a clinical impact. In total, the E-G-G received 51 applications this year. The winning early-career scientists will now gain financial support and opportunities to build a strong network with pain experts. In this way, they will be empowered to explore cutting-edge solutions that can revolutionise the way chronic pain is treated worldwide.
Want to meet our early-career innovators? Join us at the biennial EFIC® Pain in Europe Congress in Lyon, France in April 2025! Franziska, Kissi and Maddalena will present the outcomes of their research at this industry-leading event. They will also be available to discuss the methods, challenges and findings that shaped their projects. And EFIC attendees will even get the chance to E-G-G winners from previous years, who will present results from their projects. Register here!
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