Could a ketamine metabolite replace opioids for acute pain?

NCT ID NCT07504601

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 36 times

Summary

This Phase 2 trial tests whether a single dose of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), a non-addictive ketamine metabolite, can reduce acute pain in 92 healthy adults. Participants receive either HNK or a placebo intravenously and undergo pain tests, brain scans, and safety monitoring. The goal is to see if HNK works as a painkiller with fewer risks than opioids.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), a non-opioid ketamine metabolite given as a single intravenous infusion
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, non-addictive pain reliever for acute pain.
What could go wrong: This is an early Phase 2 trial in healthy volunteers, not patients. The drug may not reduce pain significantly or could have side effects. Results may not apply to real-world pain conditions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.