Investigating the benefits of a specific activator for treating opioid use disorder in mice
Official title: The potential benefits of autophagy activator TFEB in opioid use disorder in mice
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-10844150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $405,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA060111-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10844150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with a history of opioid use disorder or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or are not at risk for it may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lakshmana, Madepalli Krishnappa — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Lakshmana, Madepalli Krishnappa
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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.