Effects of long-term fentanyl use after mild brain injuries in veterans
Official title: The impact of prolonged fentanyl exposure after mild traumatic brain injury on stress associated behaviors
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11083153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term use of fentanyl might impact veterans with mild brain injuries from blasts, focusing on how it relates to anxiety and substance use, and it hopes to find ways to help by testing a specific gene in mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX005149-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries and are at risk for prolonged opioid use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced mild traumatic brain injuries or who are not opioid users may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how prolonged exposure to fentanyl affects veterans who have suffered mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) from repeated blast exposures. It aims to understand the relationship between mTBI, opioid use, and the development of anxiety-like behaviors and substance use disorders. By using a mouse model, the study will explore whether inhibiting a specific gene can reduce these risks. The findings could provide insights into better treatment options for veterans facing these challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for veterans dealing with the long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injuries and opioid use.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is existing literature that supports the investigation of the effects of opioids on anxiety and substance use disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neumaier, John F — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Neumaier, John F
Related research
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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.