We have developed a novel methodology for monitoring the 蟽1 receptor activation switch in living cells. Our assay uncovered the intrinsic nature of 蟽1 receptor ligands by recording the ligand-mediated conformational changes of this chaperone protein. The change triggered by each ligand correlated well with its ability to attenuate formalin induced nociception in an animal model of pain. This tool may assist in predicting the antinociceptive efficacy of 蟽1 receptor ligands.