Creating a new medication to help treat opioid addiction
Official title: Development of a novel drug for treating opioid use disorder
Funded at Nirsum Laboratories, INC. · NIH-10916565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new long-lasting injection to help people with opioid use disorder stick to their treatment better and stay in recovery longer, making it easier for them to manage their condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nirsum Laboratories, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $3,051,459 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DA048234-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with opioid use disorder, particularly those who have struggled with adherence to existing treatments or belong to specific sub-populations such as young adults or military personnel.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with opioid use disorder or those who have not previously responded to antagonist therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new pharmacologic treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) that aims to improve patient adherence and retention compared to existing therapies. The approach involves creating a long-lasting injectable medication that can provide effective opioid antagonism for up to four months, reducing the treatment burden on patients. By targeting specific populations that may benefit from antagonist therapy, the research seeks to address the high rates of treatment failure and relapse associated with current options. The study will involve synthesizing and testing this new drug to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, potentially reducing relapse rates and improving overall recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing long-acting injectable treatments for opioid use disorder, indicating that this approach has potential based on previous successes.
Where this research is happening
-
Nirsum Laboratories, INC.
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Nikej — Nirsum Laboratories, INC.
- Study coordinator: Shah, Nikej
Related research
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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.