A new treatment to reduce cravings and relapse in opioid use disorder
An Intranasal GDNF Gene Therapy for Opioid Relapse Reduction
This study is looking at a new way to help people with opioid use disorder by using a nasal spray that delivers a special protein to help balance brain chemicals, and it's being tested in rats to see if it can reduce cravings and prevent relapse before trying it in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10154341 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating opioid use disorder (OUD) using intranasal gene therapy to deliver glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The therapy aims to correct dopamine deficiencies in the brain that contribute to cravings and compulsive drug use. By using a rat model, the researchers will assess whether this treatment can effectively reduce cravings and prevent relapse. The study will also explore the optimal dosage and safety of the therapy in larger animal models before potential human application.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults struggling with opioid use disorder who are seeking alternative treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing opioid use disorder or those who are currently in stable treatment with existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-opioid-based treatment option that significantly reduces cravings and relapse rates for individuals with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar research has shown promise in addressing neuroadaptive changes in addiction, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Northeastern University — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waszczak, Barbara Lee — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Waszczak, Barbara Lee
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.