Investigating the effects of maternal opioid use on fetal development and health outcomes.
Official title: POPI: Placenta, Opioids and Perinatal Implications
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10748428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using opioids during pregnancy can impact the health of babies, and it’s for moms who want to understand how their opioid use might affect their little ones' development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $3,011,183 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA059152-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10748428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant individuals with a history of opioid use or opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without any history of opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how maternal opioid use affects the health of the developing fetus. It aims to explore the mechanisms by which opioid use disorder disrupts placental function and fetal development, potentially leading to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and neurobehavioral issues. By analyzing biological samples from mothers and their newborns, the study seeks to uncover the links between opioid exposure and developmental challenges in infants. Patients may be involved in assessments that evaluate both maternal health and neonatal outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for preventing adverse outcomes in infants exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated significant associations between maternal opioid use and adverse fetal outcomes, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Messaoudi, Ilhem — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Messaoudi, Ilhem
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.