Investigating brain circuits involved in cravings for oxycodone after abstinence
Official title: Subcellular Proteomics in Orbitostriatal Circuits in Incubation of Oxycodone Craving
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11057120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain affect cravings for oxycodone after someone has stopped using it, using rats to see how reminders of the drug can spark those cravings, which could help us understand addiction better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $403,542 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA060380-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057120 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use disorder who are currently in recovery or abstinence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not used opioids or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific brain circuits in the orbitofrontal cortex contribute to cravings for oxycodone after a period of abstinence. By using advanced techniques to analyze proteins in these brain areas, the study aims to uncover the molecular changes that occur during the craving process. The research utilizes animal models, specifically rats, to explore how exposure to drug-related cues can trigger cravings and potential relapse. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms behind addiction and relapse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from opioid addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xuan Anna — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Li, Xuan Anna
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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.