Mechanisms and Countermeasures for Ultra-Potent Synthetic Opioid Overdose
Official title: Mechanisms and Medical Countermeasures for Ultra-Potent Synthetic Opioid Overdose
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11616943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, focused NIH grant aims to understand why ultra-potent synthetic opioids cause severe overdose and to explore potential countermeasures to keep people safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $378,277 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DA067015-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11616943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this grant as described; this is a basic/translational research project. However, outcomes could benefit individuals at risk of opioid overdose by informing better countermeasures.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not specified in this grant; findings may ultimately inform care but no immediate patient testing is described.
What this research studies
This project examines how ultra-potent opioids like fentanyl and emerging nitazenes cause dangerous breathing problems and life-threatening symptoms. It looks at non-traditional pathways beyond the classic opioid receptor to find ways to reverse overdose more effectively. The work includes lab studies and potential combinations with existing overdose medicines to improve respiratory recovery. The goal is to translate findings into better treatments for people who encounter these powerful drugs in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to improved overdose treatments and safer response strategies for frontline responders and patients at risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that combining α2-adrenergic agonists with naloxone can restore breathing in overdose models, suggesting potential for new countermeasures with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abbas, Atheir Ibrahim — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Abbas, Atheir Ibrahim
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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.