Investigating the effects of prenatal oxycodone exposure on infants and their long-term outcomes.

Oxycodone, Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, and Adult Abuse Liability

NIH-funded research Tufts University Boston · NIH-10839468

This study is looking at how being exposed to oxycodone before birth affects babies who are born dependent on opioids, especially those going through withdrawal, to help us understand their development and find better ways to support them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTufts University Boston NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10839468 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how prenatal exposure to oxycodone affects infants who are born dependent on opioids, particularly those experiencing neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The study utilizes an animal model to explore the long-term neurodevelopmental impacts of oxycodone exposure, assessing changes in body weight and vocalizations in offspring. By examining these effects, the research aims to uncover potential vulnerabilities that may arise in children exposed to opioids in utero, which could inform treatment and management strategies for affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include infants born to mothers who used oxycodone during pregnancy and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by opioid exposure during pregnancy or do not exhibit symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, ultimately benefiting affected infants and their families.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on opioid exposure and its effects, this specific approach using an animal model of prenatal oxycodone exposure is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.