Exploring the link between the gut microbiome and opioid addiction in adolescents
Official title: The adolescent microbiome-gut-brain axis as a potential target in opioid abuse disorders
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11014478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect young people who are struggling with opioid addiction, especially those using oxycodone, and it will also explore whether a special treatment using healthy gut bacteria could help improve their gut health and brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $225,330 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM152333-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014478 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who are experiencing opioid dependence or withdrawal.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not have a history of opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut microbiome may influence opioid addiction in adolescents, particularly focusing on the effects of oxycodone. It aims to understand the relationship between gut health and brain function by studying changes in the microbiome and metabolites in young individuals who use opioids. The study will also explore the potential therapeutic benefits of fecal microbiota transplants in reversing gut dysbiosis caused by opioid use. By using animal models, researchers will analyze the impact of genetic factors on these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for preventing and managing opioid addiction in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection, but this specific approach focusing on adolescents and opioid addiction is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vazquez Sanroman, Dolores Beatriz — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Vazquez Sanroman, Dolores Beatriz
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.