A vaccine to prevent oxycodone overdose using bacteriophage technology
Official title: Bacteriophage virus-like particle based vaccines against oxycodone
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-10995261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaccine that could help prevent overdoses from oxycodone, a drug that some people misuse, and it's designed for anyone struggling with opioid use disorder who wants to stay safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $38,374 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA059236-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use disorder or those at high risk of oxycodone overdose.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using opioids or who have no history of opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel vaccine designed to prevent overdoses from oxycodone, a commonly abused opioid. It utilizes bacteriophage virus-like particles to create a highly immunogenic vaccine that aims to block the effects of oxycodone in the body. The study will assess how well this vaccine can prevent the drug from crossing the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for its effectiveness. Patients who receive this vaccine may have a reduced risk of overdose and improved outcomes in managing opioid use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking vaccine that significantly reduces the risk of oxycodone overdose for patients struggling with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While vaccines targeting opioids are a novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar vaccine strategies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romano, Isabella — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Romano, Isabella
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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.