Finding ways to reverse breathing problems caused by opioids without losing pain relief.
Official title: Reversing opioid-induced hypoxemia with novel thiol-based drugs without compromising analgesia in goats
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10118262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new medications that could help improve breathing in people who have taken too much fentanyl, while still managing their pain, and it's being tested in adult female goats to find safer options than the current antidote, naloxone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $2,218,043 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1DA050571-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10118262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are experiencing opioid-induced respiratory depression or are at risk of opioid overdose.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or are not affected by opioid-related respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how novel thiol-based drugs can counteract the respiratory depression caused by opioids, particularly focusing on the effects of fentanyl. Using adult female goats as a model, the study will assess the dose-dependent impacts of these drugs on respiratory function while preserving pain relief. The approach aims to develop safer alternatives to naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses but may have unwanted side effects. By understanding how these compounds work, the research hopes to provide better treatment options for patients affected by opioid use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively reverse opioid-induced respiratory issues while maintaining pain relief.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing similar therapeutic agents, but this specific approach using thiol-based compounds is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hodges, Matthew Robert — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Hodges, Matthew Robert
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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.