Naloxone-DEXmedetomidine combo to calm methamphetamine agitation in polysubstance use
Official title: Preclinical Evaluation of Naloxone-Dexmedetomidine Safety and Efficacy for Treating Methamphetamine-Induced Agitation in Polysubstance Intoxication
Funded at Marshall University · NIH-11420634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Marshall University tests whether a naloxone and dexmedetomidine combination can safely and effectively reduce agitation in people acutely intoxicated with methamphetamine and other substances.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marshall University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $147,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16DA066477-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with methamphetamine-related agitation or polysubstance intoxication who could later participate in clinical testing if approved.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without methamphetamine or polysubstance-induced agitation are not the target for this approach and may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project is a preclinical evaluation using available drugs to see if naloxone plus dexmedetomidine can lessen agitation in methamphetamine overdoses, with a focus on safety and minimal respiratory risk. Researchers will explore how the drug combo interacts with substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine in controlled settings. The work includes training opportunities for students and professionals in the Appalachia region who are affected by substance use disorders. The aim is to create a potential new approach that could be developed for future clinical testing if results are favorable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer, more effective treatment for agitation in people with methamphetamine and polysubstance intoxication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports repurposing safe sedatives to manage agitation with fewer respiratory risks in similar contexts, but this specific NLX-DEX combination for meth-related agitation is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Marshall University
Huntington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hambuchen, Michael D. — Marshall University
- Study coordinator: Hambuchen, Michael D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Dexmedetomidine Sublingual Film for Flare-Ups in Familial Dysautonomia
A new dexmedetomidine pill under the tongue is being tested to help people with familial dysautonomia manage sudden sympathetic flare-ups at home.
-
Dexmedetomidine Sublingual Film for Autonomic Crises in Familial Dysautonomia
This project looks at using a sublingual film medication to help people with familial dysautonomia manage sudden, severe changes in blood pressure and heart rate at home.
-
Preventing Confusion After Heart Surgery with a Special Sleep Medication
This project looks at whether a medication called dexmedetomidine can help prevent confusion and memory problems in older patients after heart surgery.
-
New treatment for severe autonomic crises in patients with familial dysautonomia
This study is looking at a new way to help people with familial dysautonomia manage sudden, severe symptoms using a special film that dissolves under the tongue, which could make it easier and safer for them to handle these episodes at home.
-
Using low doses of dexmedetomidine to treat respiratory failure from fentanyl overdose
This study is looking at how a small amount of a brain medication called dexmedetomidine can help people breathe normally again after they've had trouble breathing from a fentanyl overdose.
-
Using a new medication to help treat opioid withdrawal symptoms
This study is looking at a new film you place under your tongue that contains a medication called dexmedetomidine to help ease withdrawal symptoms for people dealing with opioid use disorder, especially those using strong opioids like fentanyl, and it aims to find out if this treatment is safe and works better than cur
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.