Effects of opioid exposure on newborn brain development

CWRU Clinical Center - Outcomes of Babies with Opioid Exposure (OBOE) Study

NIH-funded research Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11002034

This study is looking at how being exposed to opioids during pregnancy might affect babies' brain development, and it’s for families with newborns, whether or not they’ve been exposed to opioids, as researchers will follow these babies until they turn two to learn more about their growth and development.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11002034 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to opioids during pregnancy affects the brain and neurodevelopment of newborns. It involves enrolling infants at birth, both those exposed to opioids and those who are not, and following them until they are two years old. The study collects detailed data, including advanced brain imaging and information about the home environment and maternal mental health, to better understand the long-term effects of opioid exposure. By addressing previous research limitations, this study aims to provide clearer insights into the developmental outcomes of these infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are newborns who were exposed to opioids in utero as well as those who were not exposed.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than two years or those who were never exposed to opioids during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for infants affected by prenatal opioid exposure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown varying results regarding the effects of prenatal opioid exposure, but this study aims to provide more robust data through its comprehensive approach.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.