Effects of opioids on brain development in newborns and children

Lasting Neurological Effects of Perinatal Opioids

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-10891637

This study is looking at how being exposed to opioids during pregnancy might affect the brain and emotions of babies and kids, using mice to help understand what happens in their brains and how it could relate to anxiety and motivation.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10891637 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term neurological effects of opioid exposure during pregnancy on infants and children. By using a mouse model that mimics human gestation, the study examines how exposure to opioids like fentanyl affects brain circuitry and emotional behaviors. Researchers will analyze changes in specific brain regions associated with anxiety and motivation, aiming to understand the underlying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental issues linked to perinatal opioid exposure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and children who were exposed to opioids during pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who were not exposed to opioids during pregnancy or who are not within the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for children affected by opioid exposure in utero.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the effects of prenatal substance exposure can lead to significant advancements in treatment and support for affected children.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.