How a high fat diet affects morphine's effects and risks
Official title: The effects of eating a high fat diet on the therapeutic and abuse-related effects of morphine
Funded at University of Texas El Paso · NIH-11059923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a high-fat diet might change the way morphine works, especially for people dealing with chronic pain and obesity, to help find better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas El Paso NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Paso, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $151,360 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149426-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain who also have obesity or are at risk for opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or obesity may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a high fat diet influences the effects of morphine, particularly in relation to its therapeutic benefits and potential for abuse. Using rat models, the study will assess behavioral and physiological responses to morphine in different dietary conditions, including high fat and ketogenic diets. The goal is to understand the underlying mechanisms that link obesity and opioid use disorder, which could inform better treatment strategies for patients with chronic pain and obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with chronic pain who are also dealing with obesity and opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific dietary impacts on morphine's effects are less explored, related research has shown that diet can significantly influence drug metabolism and response, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas El Paso
El Paso, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serafine, Katherine Marie — University of Texas El Paso
- Study coordinator: Serafine, Katherine Marie
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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.