Comparing medicines for newborn opioid withdrawal in Cincinnati
HEAL initiative: Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Pharmacological Treatments Comparative Effectiveness Trial: Cincinnati site
This compares medications to help newborns who have withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to opioids before birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178749 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your baby was exposed to opioids before birth and needs medicine for withdrawal, this trial randomizes infants to different approved medications to see which works best. Babies are enrolled at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and receive standard hospital care while the assigned medicine is given and adjusted as needed. The study team follows babies after discharge with check-ins and developmental visits through age two to track recovery and growth. Participation involves medical records, treatment during the newborn period, and follow-up visits over the first two years.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Infants born exposed to opioids who develop neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and require pharmacologic treatment at or through the Cincinnati site are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Babies who were not exposed to opioids, who do not develop withdrawal, or who have medical reasons that make them ineligible would not receive direct benefit from joining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could show which medication leads to safer, shorter treatment and better early development for infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller trials and early reports suggest some medications like buprenorphine may shorten treatment time, but large randomized comparisons are still limited.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merhar, Stephanie L — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Merhar, Stephanie L
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.