Finding new treatments to counteract the effects of synthetic opioids.

Zebrafish Screens to Identify Agents which Reverse the Effects of Synthetic Opioids

NIH-funded research University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-10811743

This study is looking for new treatments that can help reverse the dangerous effects of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, using tiny fish called zebrafish to test thousands of different compounds, with the hope of finding better ways to help people who have overdosed.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Toledo, United States)
Project IDNIH-10811743 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates potential new agents that can reverse the harmful effects of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. Using larval zebrafish, the study will screen thousands of compounds to identify those that can effectively counteract opioid effects. The zebrafish model allows for high-throughput testing and provides insights into how these substances interact with the central nervous system. The goal is to discover novel treatments that could improve outcomes for individuals affected by opioid overdose.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of opioid overdose or have experienced issues related to synthetic opioid use.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use synthetic opioids or are not at risk of opioid overdose may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the effectiveness of overdose interventions for synthetic opioids.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various approaches to addressing opioid overdose, this specific method using zebrafish for high-throughput screening is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Toledo, 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 2026-06-10 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.