Antibody treatment that soaks up fentanyl to prevent overdoses
Antibody-based therapy for fentanyl-related opioid use disorder
A new antibody medicine that soaks up fentanyl and similar opioids is being developed to protect people at high risk of overdose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11422441 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing CSX-1004, an antibody given into a vein that grabs fentanyl in the blood so it cannot act on the brain. In animal studies the antibody quickly reversed and prevented fentanyl-caused breathing problems for more than three weeks after a single dose. The team has completed key safety and manufacturing steps and has prepared for FDA investigational new drug (IND) filing to enable human testing. If human trials proceed, the medicine would be given by IV to help prevent or reverse fentanyl analog overdoses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who use opioids or are otherwise at high risk of fentanyl exposure—especially those with prior overdose or frequent fentanyl exposure—would be the likely candidates.
Not a fit: People whose opioid problems are unrelated to fentanyl or who cannot receive intravenous treatments may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a longer-lasting and potentially more effective way to block fentanyl overdoses without directly triggering opioid withdrawal.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody approaches against drugs of abuse have shown promising results in animals, but this approach has limited proven experience in treating human overdoses so far.
Where this research is happening
Belmont, United States
- Mclean Hospital — Belmont, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Desai, Rajeev Indrajit — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Desai, Rajeev Indrajit
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.