Q&A with Annie Londregan: Identifying New Therapeutic Targets for Visceral Pain

How did you become interested in research?

In middle school, I took a vacation to Puerto Rico and visited a bioluminescent bay where I kayaked through waters glowing with algae. I loved learning about all the creatures living in the bay and the fascinating ecosystem that allowed for bioluminescent algae to proliferate. When I returned home, I decided to take advanced science classes and electives in high school, and my love of science developed from there. While I didn’t end up being an ecologist, I did find genetics and molecular signaling pathways to be fascinating. In undergrad, I conducted an honors research thesis on, corneal epithelial wound healing, which solidified my desire to pursue a career in scientific research.

Briefly describe your PhRMA Foundation-funded research project and its potential impact on patients.

My project aims to identify a new therapeutic target for visceral pain, the type of pain that originates from abdominal or pelvic organs, which is associated with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Current treatments for visceral pain include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, which have limited efficacy, and opiates, which can increase constipation. My project aims to take advantage of a direct signaling axis between the gut and the brain to identify to identify a therapeutic target. My research utilizes drugs that are already FDA-approved for non-related conditions, outlining a new paradigm for visceral pain treatment that can be translated to patients.

How will the PhRMA Foundation’s support impact your research and your career?

The PhRMA Foundation’s support will allow me to dedicate more time to my research on visceral pain, potentially impacting patient lives. It also opens me up to a network of other PhRMA Foundation award recipients to connect with and learn from.

What is the coolest thing about your research?

I’m studying a direct line of communication between the gut and the brain, and it’s crazy to think about how your gut can directly influence your perception of pain.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

When I started doing research in undergrad, a PhD student told me to label everything as well as I can and to write everything down. It sounds so trivial, but I never remember as much as I think I will, so it’s better to have an excess of notes than not enough.

What are your future career aspirations?

I want to continue conducting translational research, first in the academic setting as a postdoctoral researcher and then moving into an industry position. I strive to identify a therapeutic target during bench research and see it through into clinical trials.

Learn more about the PhRMA Foundation’s fellowship and grant opportunities. Check out more researcher stories on our blog.