How a high fat diet affects morphine's effects and risks

The effects of eating a high fat diet on the therapeutic and abuse-related effects of morphine

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS EL PASO · NIH-11059923

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS EL PASO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (EL PASO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11059923 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain who also have obesity or are at risk for opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic pain or obesity may not receive any benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

EL PASO, 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.