Comparing medications for treating opioid withdrawal in newborns
HEAL Initiative: Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Pharmacological Treatments Comparative Effectiveness Trial New Mexico Site
This study is looking at how well three different medications—buprenorphine, methadone, and morphine—work to help newborns who are going through withdrawal from opioids, and it will track their progress to see how they grow and develop over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10917399 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of three different medications—buprenorphine, methadone, and morphine—in treating Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) in infants. Newborns requiring pharmacological treatment will be randomly assigned to one of these medications, and their outcomes will be monitored over time. The study aims to assess both short-term outcomes, such as hospital stay duration, and long-term effects on growth and neurodevelopment. The research will also consider various clinical factors, including maternal opioid use and additional treatments provided to the infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns aged 0-4 weeks who are diagnosed with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome and require pharmacological treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are not newborns or those who do not have Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome will not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols for newborns suffering from opioid withdrawal, enhancing their recovery and long-term development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown varying degrees of success in treating NOWS with different medications, making this trial a critical step in determining the most effective treatment approach.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leeman, Lawrence M — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Leeman, Lawrence M
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.