Brain circuits linked to dangerous fentanyl-xylazine combo and new reversal strategies
Official title: Brain Circuits Mediating Adverse Effects of Fentanyl–Xylazine: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11454503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding why fentanyl mixed with xylazine causes deadly breathing and body-cooling problems, and finding new ways to reverse these effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $508,734 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA067016-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454503 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk of or affected by polysubstance overdoses involving fentanyl and xylazine, with no direct involvement needed for this preclinical work.
✕Less likely to help
People not involved in human studies or who are not at risk for this specific overdose scenario may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the brain regions that control breathing and body temperature respond to the drug combo fentanyl and xylazine. Using advanced genetic tools in mice, researchers will identify the specific neurons involved and test how blocking them could prevent or reduce harm. The work builds on prior findings about brain cells that regulate respiration and thermoregulation, and explores potential new reversal strategies beyond naloxone. Results could guide future therapies to protect patients from polysubstance overdose.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new treatments to reverse or prevent life-threatening effects of fentanyl-xylazine overdose.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown brain circuits coordinating respiration and temperature play a role in overdose physiology, with emerging tools enabling precise neural targeting.
Where this research is happening
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaur, Satvinder — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kaur, Satvinder
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.