How methadone affects the developing human brain
Effect of methadone on the developmental properties of human brain organoids
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11292421
Looks at whether methadone changes how early human brain cells form and connect in babies exposed before birth.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11292421 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers grow human brain organoids—small lab-grown models that mimic early fetal brain tissue—to see how methadone exposure changes cell development and nerve connections. They measure cellular and molecular signals and test synaptic activity to find changes in how brain cells communicate. The team builds on preliminary results showing methadone can reduce synaptic transmission in these organoids. All experiments are done in the lab at the university using human-derived cells rather than enrolling patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients directly; its findings are most relevant to pregnant people using methadone and their infants.
Not a fit: People who were not exposed to opioids before birth or those seeking immediate clinical treatment will not directly benefit from this laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how prenatal methadone exposure affects brain wiring and help guide safer treatment choices or interventions for pregnant people on opioid therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies and the investigators' preliminary organoid data suggest methadone can alter synaptic signaling, but translating these findings to clinical outcomes is still unproven.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HADDAD, GABRIEL G — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: HADDAD, GABRIEL G
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 below.