Jose Moron-Concepcion, PhD, has been selected to serve on the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee (IPRCC), a federal advisory committee created by the Department of Health and Human Services to enhance pain research efforts and promote collaboration across the government.
The Committee is composed of scientists, physicians, and health professionals who are leaders in the field of pain research and members of the general public who are representatives of leading research, advocacy, and service organizations for individuals with pain-related conditions. The goal of the IPRCC is to advance the fundamental understanding of pain and improve pain-related treatment strategies.
“It is an honor to represent Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis on this committee, and it will be a great opportunity to help shape guidelines and recommendations for pain research,” said Moron-Concepcion.
Chronic pain represents a complex human condition affecting millions of Americans and causes untold disability and loss of function. Helping those who are experiencing chronic pain regain meaningful function requires the development of therapies beyond new medications alone.
“Research aimed at enhancing the interpretation of pain processes is an essential prerequisite for developing successful treatments,” Moron-Concepcion continued. “Focused research is needed to improve the understanding of the neurobiology of pain and support the discovery of innovative treatments, including nonaddictive analgesics, and nonpharmacological approaches at the level of the individual patient. I am delighted to serve on this committee, and I firmly believe the IPRCC will continue to play a crucial role in the nation’s biomedical scientific mission in regards to pain management.”
Dr. Moron-Concepcion is the interim Chief of the Division of Basic Research (DBR) and Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, where he leads a highly productive research program investigating the basic biological underpinnings of opioid addiction and the intersection with pain. He has served on multiple national committees, including the National Academy of Sciences Advisory Committee to the FDA on improving the use of prescription opioids to treat pain.
“Dr. Moron-Concepcion is an internationally renowned pain researcher, and I’m certain he will bring immense expertise and provide valuable insight to the IPRCC,” said Robert Gereau, PhD, Vice Chair for Research for the Department of Anesthesiology.