Developing treatments to counteract fentanyl overdose
Official title: Synthetic Scavenger Medical Countermeasures for Fentanyl
Funded at Sri International · NIH-10852933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment using special antibodies that could help quickly neutralize fentanyl in the body, aiming to provide a better option for people who might experience an overdose from this powerful opioid.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sri International NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Menlo Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $258,060 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA058903-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10852933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk of opioid overdose, particularly those using fentanyl or similar synthetic opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or are not at risk of opioid overdose may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating synthetic scavenger medical countermeasures to combat the effects of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid responsible for numerous overdose deaths. The approach involves using monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize fentanyl in the bloodstream, potentially offering a more effective treatment than current options like naloxone. By investigating the efficacy of these antibodies, the research aims to provide a solution for both immediate treatment and prevention of opioid toxicity. Patients may benefit from a more reliable and efficient antidote to fentanyl overdoses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, more effective treatment for fentanyl overdoses, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that monoclonal antibodies can effectively neutralize potent opioids in animal models, indicating promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Sri International
Menlo Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Xiaohe — Sri International
- Study coordinator: Liu, Xiaohe
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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.