Developing new methods to remove drugs of abuse from the bloodstream
Official title: Macrocyclic Arenes as Sequestrants for Drugs of Abuse
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11115738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new treatments that can help remove harmful drugs like opioids and stimulants from the body more effectively, aiming to provide better help for people who are struggling with drug intoxication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $193,488 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA058834-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced drug overdoses or are at risk of drug abuse, particularly with opioids, stimulants, or hallucinogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in drug abuse or who do not have a history of drug overdose may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new antidotes that can effectively sequester and remove various drugs of abuse, including opioids, stimulants, and hallucinogens, from the bloodstream. The approach involves using macrocyclic arenes, which are molecular containers designed to bind to these drugs, promoting their clearance from the body. By targeting the drugs directly rather than just alleviating symptoms, this research aims to provide a more effective treatment for drug intoxication. The study will involve both laboratory experiments and animal models to evaluate the efficacy of these new antidotes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective antidotes that save lives during drug overdoses and improve emergency treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in drug treatment strategies, the specific approach of using macrocyclic arenes as antidotes for a broad range of drugs of abuse is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Isaacs, Lyle D — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Isaacs, Lyle D
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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.