How prenatal opioid exposure affects brain development and behavior in offspring

Mechanisms of prenatal opioid exposure on brain and behavior

NIH-funded research University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11082413

This study looks at how being exposed to opioids during pregnancy affects newborns' brains and behaviors, especially focusing on how medications like buprenorphine might lead to developmental challenges, like ADHD, in children.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Galveston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11082413 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of maternal opioid exposure during pregnancy on the brain and behavior of newborns. It focuses on understanding how medications used to treat opioid use disorder, like buprenorphine, may lead to developmental issues in children. The study employs a novel mouse model to explore the cellular mechanisms involved in brain development and how these changes may contribute to behavioral problems such as ADHD. By examining these relationships, the research aims to uncover critical insights into the impact of prenatal opioid exposure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder and their newborns.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have not been exposed to opioids during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for children affected by prenatal opioid exposure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that maternal substance exposure can lead to developmental issues, suggesting that this study's approach is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Galveston, 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.
Conditions Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.