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NMDA Receptor Antagonist

Hydroxynorketamine for Neuropathic Pain (HNK Trial)

Phase 1 & 2
Recruiting
Led By Asokumar Buvanendran, MD
Research Sponsored by Rush University Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Adult patients (18 to 80 years) with an established diagnosis of chronic (> 3 month) NP of the extremities
Presence of NP as determined at screening using the 10 item Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (DN4), with a score of ≥4 required for study inclusion
Must not have
Subjects with known liver disease
Poor peripheral venous access
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 35 days

Summary

This trial will evaluate the effectiveness and duration of a single infusion of (2R,6R)-HNK on pain, physical function, pain interference, sleep disturbance and quality of life in patients with neuropathic pain.

Who is the study for?
Adults aged 18-80 with chronic neuropathic pain in the extremities, who can read/write English and have a BMI of 18-35 kg/m². Participants should not have widespread pain conditions like fibromyalgia, mental illness, or severe medical issues. They must not be allergic to ketamine, pregnant, or using certain substances prior to drug administration.
What is being tested?
The trial is testing the effectiveness of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine compared to ketamine and saline for reducing neuropathic pain. Patients will receive each treatment through an infusion over a cross-over design with intervals of five weeks between treatments.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include reactions similar to those associated with ketamine such as changes in blood pressure or heart rate, dizziness, nausea, mood changes, blurred vision and possibly dissociation or hallucinations.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am between 18 and 80 years old with chronic nerve pain in my limbs for over 3 months.
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I have been diagnosed with neuropathic pain based on a specific questionnaire.
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My BMI is between 18 and 35, and I weigh between 50 kg and 120 kg.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have a known liver condition.
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I have difficulty with blood draws or IV insertions due to poor vein access.
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I am not allergic to ketamine or any medication used in this study.
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I have widespread pain or have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
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I have received ketamine for chronic pain before.
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I might have high pressure in my brain or eyes.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~35 days
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 35 days for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Pain intensity
Secondary study objectives
Analgesic consumption
Pain qualities
PainDETECT questionnaire screening scores

Trial Design

3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Placebo Group
Group I: (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamineExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
(2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine 0.5mg/kg 45 minute infusion x 1
Group II: KetamineActive Control1 Intervention
Ketamine 0.5mg/kg 45 minute infusion x 1
Group III: SalinePlacebo Group1 Intervention
Saline 45 minute infusion x 1

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Rush University Medical CenterLead Sponsor
439 Previous Clinical Trials
250,221 Total Patients Enrolled
Congressionally Directed Medical Research ProgramsFED
57 Previous Clinical Trials
10,448 Total Patients Enrolled
Asokumar Buvanendran, MDPrincipal InvestigatorRush University Medical Center
10 Previous Clinical Trials
1,396 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

(2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (NMDA Receptor Antagonist) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT05864053 — Phase 1 & 2
Neuropathic Pain Research Study Groups: Ketamine, (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine, Saline
Neuropathic Pain Clinical Trial 2023: (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT05864053 — Phase 1 & 2
(2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (NMDA Receptor Antagonist) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT05864053 — Phase 1 & 2
~17 spots leftby Dec 2026