New Ketamine-Like drug could ease nerve pain without the high
NCT ID NCT05864053
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a new drug called (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) for chronic nerve pain in the arms or legs. 25 adults will receive a single infusion of HNK, ketamine, or a placebo in random order, with 5 weeks between each. Researchers will measure pain levels, sleep, and daily function for 5 weeks after each infusion to see how well HNK works and how long the effect lasts.
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
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new painkiller for nerve pain with fewer side effects than ketamine.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial with only 25 people. The drug may not work better than placebo, and side effects are not yet well understood.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Rush University Medical Center
RECRUITINGChicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
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