Developing a new medication to prevent opioid relapse and overdose
Official title: Development of the novel mu-opioid receptor antagonist methocinnamox (MCAM) for preventing relapse and overdose
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11162314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new pill called methocinnamox (MCAM) that helps people recovering from opioid addiction by blocking the effects of opioids, making it easier for them to stay on track and avoid relapse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,937,344 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DA060704-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are recovering from opioid addiction and are at risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not recovering from opioid addiction or who are not opioid users may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the development of methocinnamox (MCAM), a novel medication designed to prevent relapse in individuals recovering from opioid addiction. MCAM works by blocking the effects of opioid drugs, including potent substances like fentanyl, and is intended to be taken orally, making it easier for patients to use. The research includes extensive safety testing in animals and aims to establish MCAM as a long-acting treatment that remains effective for over two weeks with a single dose. The study is also working on ensuring that the medication is stable and effective for patients in need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals recovering from opioid addiction, significantly reducing the risk of relapse and overdose.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing opioid receptor antagonists, but the specific approach with MCAM is novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: France, Charles P — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: France, Charles P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Social stress and smoking: why disadvantaged young adults struggle to quit
This grant looks at how daily social stress affects if and when disadvantaged young adults who smoke can quit and stay quit.
-
Learning from remission and relapse in lupus (SLE)
Researchers are studying people with systemic lupus erythematosus who are in long-term remission without steroids or immunosuppressants to understand their immune cells, brain function, and what might predict relapse.
-
Learning from Remission and Relapse in SLE
A program to study people with systemic lupus erythematosus who are in long-term remission to understand immune and brain signals that might predict relapse.
-
Alternative NF-kB activation after chemotherapy in ovarian cancer
This grant studies how ovarian cancer might come back after chemotherapy by looking at specific signaling pathways in cancer cells and the tumor environment.
-
Predictors of autoimmunity onset and relapse in skin
A study to understand what biological signals in skin predict when autoimmune diseases start, flare, or worsen in people at risk.
-
Determinants of TB Control, Relapse, and Reinfection
A large, multi-year study aims to understand why some people who are treated for TB still have persistent infection or relapse, with the goal of improving prevention and treatment.
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.