Investigating the benefits of a specific activator for treating opioid use disorder in mice

The potential benefits of autophagy activator TFEB in opioid use disorder in mice

['FUNDING_R21'] · FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · NIH-10844150

This study is looking at a special substance called TFEB to see if it can help reduce the addictive effects of opioids and lower the risk of overdose in mice, with the hope that it could lead to better treatments for people dealing with opioid use disorder.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorFLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MIAMI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10844150 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the potential of an autophagy activator called TFEB to address opioid use disorder (OUD) in mice. The study aims to understand how TFEB can enhance autophagic activity, which may counteract the addictive properties of opioids and reduce overdose risks. By examining the interactions between TFEB and opioid receptors, researchers hope to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with OUD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with a history of opioid use disorder or those at risk of developing it.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or are not at risk for it may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that reduce opioid addiction and overdose deaths.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using TFEB as an autophagy activator in OUD is novel, similar mechanisms targeting addiction have shown promise in other studies.

Where this research is happening

MIAMI, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.