Developing a new treatment for opioid use disorder
Official title: Development of SBS-226, a MOR agonist / DOR antagonist, for OUD
Funded at Sparian Biosciences, INC. · NIH-10915840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new medication called SBS-226 to help people with opioid use disorder by providing pain relief without the same risk of addiction that comes with regular opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sparian Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York City, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $3,957,359 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DA059278-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who may benefit from new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with opioid use disorder or those who do not require opioid medications for pain management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new medication, SBS-226, which combines properties of a mu-opioid receptor agonist and a delta-opioid receptor antagonist to help treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The approach aims to provide effective pain relief while reducing the risk of addiction associated with traditional opioid medications. By investigating the effects of this new compound, the research seeks to improve treatment options for individuals struggling with OUD, particularly in the context of the ongoing opioid crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for patients suffering from opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing new treatments for opioid use disorder, but this specific approach with SBS-226 is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Sparian Biosciences, INC.
New York City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reich, Jeffrey — Sparian Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Reich, Jeffrey
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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First-in-class, non-opioid pain medicine (SBS-147) for acute and chronic pain
A new non-opioid pill called SBS-147 may help adults manage acute and chronic pain with less risk of dependence or overdose.
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SBS-226: a new medication that activates one opioid receptor and blocks another to treat opioid addiction
This project develops SBS-226, a potential medicine designed to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal by activating the mu-opioid receptor while blocking the delta-opioid receptor for people with opioid use disorder.
-
Creating new treatments for stimulant use disorder
This study is testing a new medication called SBS-518 that aims to help people struggling with stimulant use disorder, like those using methamphetamine or cocaine, by reducing their cravings without giving them a high, and there may be chances for patients to join early trials as the research moves forward.
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A new class of safer pain relievers
This study is testing a new type of pain relief medication called MP1000, which aims to help people manage pain without the risks of addiction that come with traditional opioids.
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.