Development of a new opioid with protection against overdose
Official title: PF614-MPAR: clinical development of opioid with oral overdose protection
Funded at Ensysce Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11176951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new kind of opioid medication designed to help manage pain while also reducing the chances of overdose and misuse, making it a safer option for people dealing with moderate-to-severe pain who are worried about addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ensysce Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $5,288,921 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DA059791-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from moderate-to-severe pain who may require opioid treatment but are concerned about the risks associated with traditional opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience moderate-to-severe pain or those who are not candidates for opioid therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new type of opioid medication that includes built-in protections against overdose and abuse. The approach involves a novel combination of technologies that modify the opioid's chemical structure to control its release and deter misuse. By using a prodrug formulation that activates only in the presence of specific enzymes, the medication aims to provide effective pain relief while minimizing the risk of addiction and overdose. Patients with moderate-to-severe pain who are concerned about opioid misuse may find this new treatment option beneficial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer opioid option that effectively manages pain while reducing the risk of addiction and overdose.
How similar studies have gone: While there are existing abuse-deterrent opioid formulations, this approach is novel as it incorporates chemical modifications rather than just formulation changes, aiming to provide enhanced protection against misuse.
Where this research is happening
-
Ensysce Biosciences, INC.
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirkpatrick, Lynn — Ensysce Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kirkpatrick, Lynn
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.