Investigating how individual differences and brain circuits affect fentanyl addiction treatment.
Official title: Fentanyl Addiction: Individual Differences, Neural Circuitry, and Treatment with a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10896898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain medications might help people with fentanyl addiction by reducing their cravings, and it aims to find better ways to support those struggling with opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,788 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DA057043-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder, particularly those struggling with fentanyl addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with opioid use disorder or those who have not been diagnosed with fentanyl addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complexities of opioid use disorder (OUD), particularly focusing on fentanyl addiction. It aims to understand how individual differences and neural circuitry influence treatment outcomes. The study will investigate the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) to reduce drug-seeking behavior in patients, drawing on findings from rodent models. By examining the effectiveness of GLP-1RAs, the research seeks to identify new treatment pathways that could improve compliance and reduce relapse rates for individuals struggling with OUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for fentanyl addiction, potentially reducing relapse rates and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists can effectively reduce substance-seeking behavior in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Brianna — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Evans, Brianna
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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.