New patch could replace opioids for knee surgery pain

NCT ID NCT07439666

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests a special patch called NEUROCUPLE™ to see if it can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers after knee replacement surgery. About 274 adults having a knee replacement will wear either the active patch or a fake patch for 7 days after surgery. Researchers will measure their pain levels and how much opioid medication they use, aiming to find a safer way to manage post-surgery pain.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
NEUROCUPLE™ patch (a device using nanotechnology)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a safe, non-opioid way to manage pain after knee replacement, reducing reliance on opioids and their side effects.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage trial with a placebo comparison, so results may not show a clear benefit. The patch is a device, not a drug, and its effect may be modest.

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 OPIOID REDUCTION AFTER TKA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • UPMC East Hospital

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15146, United States

  • UPMC Passavant Hospital

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15237, United States

  • UPMC Shadyside Hospital

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States

More trials for these conditions

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