How blocking orexin affects cravings for opioids and methamphetamine
Official title: Influence of Orexin Antagonism on Opioid and Methamphetamine Demand
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11007205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain system called orexin affects cravings for opioids and methamphetamine in people who use both drugs, to help find better ways to treat addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $667,818 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055634-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who may also be using methamphetamine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of opioid or methamphetamine use are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the orexin system in regulating cravings for opioids and methamphetamine, particularly among individuals who use both substances. By employing a behavioral economic framework, the study aims to understand how motivation for using these drugs changes when orexin is blocked. Participants will be assessed to determine if opioids and methamphetamine act as substitutes or complements in their usage, which could inform future treatment strategies. The findings could lead to new approaches for managing addiction in patients with opioid use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for individuals struggling with opioid and methamphetamine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the orexin system for addiction treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strickland, Justin Charles — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Strickland, Justin Charles
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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.