Erick Rodriguez-Palma, MSc, PhD
A New Hope for Fibromyalgia: Blocking the Channels Behind Pain
Summary
Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting condition that causes widespread pain and affects millions of people, especially women. Current treatments do not work well for everyone and cause serious side effects. Even though fibromyalgia is common, we still do not fully understand what causes it. My research focuses on a protein called CRMP2, which helps control sodium and calcium channels — tiny gates in nerve cells that send pain messages in the body. If we can understand how CRMP2 affects these channels in fibromyalgia, we might find new ways to reduce pain. I’m testing a new drug called A5-14, which is designed to block CRMP2 activity. My goal is to see whether this drug can reduce pain in an animal model of fibromyalgia. If it works, this could lead to a new kind of treatment that does not rely on opioids and may be safer for people living with fibromyalgia.
Watch a Q&A with Erick
Winning the PhRMA Foundation postdoctoral fellowship is a true honor. It reflects the challenges and growth I’ve experienced as a scientist and person, and it inspires me to continue pursuing my research goals with dedication and passion.
