How brain hypocretin signals change when methamphetamine and fentanyl are used together
Official title: Modulating the pharmacodynamics of methamphetamine and fentanyl co-use via hypocretin pathways
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11384483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looks at whether blocking a brain chemical called hypocretin might reduce methamphetamine and fentanyl use in people who use both drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $373,907 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA062961-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who use both methamphetamine and opioids (including fentanyl) and are looking for better treatment options would be the eventual target for therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People who only use a single drug, those not seeking treatment, or those with medical issues that prevent hypocretin-targeting therapies may not benefit from this research directly.
What this research studies
You would be hearing about research that first uses animal models to see how methamphetamine and fentanyl interact in the brain's hypocretin/orexin system and which brain circuits drive co-use. The team measures drug-taking behavior and brain activity in stress-sensitive regions like the amygdala while they manipulate hypocretin signaling. Results will inform whether blocking hypocretin receptors could lower combined stimulant-opioid use and guide the design of future human treatments. This work is preclinical, so any new medicines would need further clinical testing before being available to patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new medications that reduce craving and combined stimulant-opioid use, lowering overdose risk for people who use both drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Animal studies across drug classes show that blocking hypocretin/orexin can reduce motivated drug-taking, but human evidence for this approach is still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmeichel, Brooke E — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Schmeichel, Brooke E
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.