RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences will contribute to a series of world-first clinical trials aimed at delivering long-term relief for people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain, through a newly funded project supported by the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF).

The project, awarded €6.5 million in government funding, brings together a multidisciplinary partnership of CrannMed, Salaso Health Solutions, the University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials, and RCSI. The team will combine expertise to drive new solutions for one of the most prevalent and challenging health conditions.

The funding was announced by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, as part of a broader €39m investment in seven projects under Call 7 of the DTIF.

The trial programme combines two complimentary technologies to improve outcomes for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Patients will have access to breakthrough pain treatment developed by CrannMed and a recovery programme developed by Salaso with the support of clinical specialists.

In the first trial, a patient will receive an injection which will selectively block blood flow to the site of pain, reducing inflammation and stray nerve endings, which are ultimately the root cause of the pain.

Patients who have experienced chronic pain need to pursue a structured recovery process aimed at building strength and improving the resilience of musculoskeletal tissues. The second trial assesses the patient’s recovery as they are supported by an AI enabled self-management platform in real-time.

Furthermore, the trials will allow scientists and researchers within the clinical centres to develop new imaging techniques, smart trial designs and pain measurement methodologies that will be needed to make the solution standard within healthcare systems.

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, said: "RCSI is proud to support innovative Irish medtech through first-in-human clinical trials conducted here in Ireland. This collaboration shows that Ireland is open for business in clinical research, and RCSI is committed to working with Irish companies to deliver transformative health solutions for patients.”

RCSI’s role in the project is to lead the development and validation of imaging and access protocols for direct injection of the CrannMed technology and conduct the first-in-human clinical use of the technology. Additionally, RCSI will contribute expertise in digital health to optimise patient engagement with the AI-enabled rehabilitation platform.

The DTIF, administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with support from Enterprise Ireland, aims to drive collaboration between Ireland’s world-class research base and industry to develop disruptive technologies with strong commercial potential and real-world impact.