Investigating the effects of mixing opioids with xylazine.
Official title: Behavioral Pharmacology of Opioid/Xylazine Mixtures
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11049354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how mixing opioids with xylazine, a sedative used for animals, affects people, especially during the opioid crisis worsened by COVID-19, to better understand the risks and help those struggling with these substances.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $392,940 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA060215-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who use opioids and may have been exposed to xylazine, particularly those experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or have no history of substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the increasing use of opioid and xylazine mixtures, particularly in the context of the opioid crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to understand the behavioral pharmacology of these mixtures, including their effects on the body and potential risks such as respiratory depression and overdose. The study will involve experimental testing to evaluate how xylazine, a veterinary sedative, interacts with opioids and affects withdrawal symptoms. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to provide insights into the rising trend of these dangerous combinations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals affected by opioid and xylazine use, potentially reducing overdose deaths.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of opioids and xylazine has not been extensively studied, there is a growing body of research on opioid interactions that suggests potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maguire, David Richard — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Maguire, David Richard
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.