Developing a new antidote for fentanyl and xylazine overdoses
Official title: A Novel Reversal Agent for Treatment of Overdose from the Combination of Fentanyl and Xylazine
Funded at Clear Scientific, LLC · NIH-10908091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new treatment to help people who have overdosed on a mix of fentanyl and xylazine, which regular naloxone can't fix, so that they can breathe better and feel more alert again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clear Scientific, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,462,687 |
| NIH project number | 2R44DA056272-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908091 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced an overdose involving both fentanyl and xylazine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have overdosed solely on opioids that are effectively treated with naloxone may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel reversal agent specifically designed to counteract the effects of overdoses caused by the combination of fentanyl and xylazine, a tranquilizer that is ineffective when treated with standard naloxone. The approach involves developing a small molecule that can encapsulate these drugs, allowing for rapid reversal of their toxic effects and promoting faster clearance from the body. Patients experiencing respiratory depression or sedation due to this drug combination may benefit from this new treatment, which can be administered via intramuscular injection. The research aims to provide a dual-use antidote that can be effective on its own or in conjunction with naloxone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce overdose deaths related to the dangerous combination of fentanyl and xylazine.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of developing a specific antidote for the fentanyl and xylazine combination is novel, similar efforts to create effective reversal agents for other drug combinations have shown promise.
Where this research is happening
-
Clear Scientific, LLC
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xinhua — Clear Scientific, LLC
- Study coordinator: Li, Xinhua
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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.