New metabolic pathway for halogenated drugs of abuse
Official title: Novel metabolic pathway for halogenated drugs of abuse
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11399076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH grant funds study on how halogenated drugs of abuse are processed in the body and how this impacts safety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $76,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DA063755-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This study does not specify patient enrollment; findings may ultimately benefit individuals exposed to NPS.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not described in the grant description.
What this research studies
This project looks at how common chemical modifications in illegal drugs (halogenation) change how the body breaks them down and what toxic effects they may cause. Researchers will examine the enzymes (like CYPs) involved in metabolism and how these drugs become harmful byproducts. The goal is to map metabolic steps that lead to liver, heart, or brain toxicity and identify potential points to intervene. The work is designed to inform safer drug policies and improve clinical responses to overdoses and toxic exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding metabolism could lead to better diagnostics and treatments for people exposed to NPS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that halogenation and CYP metabolism affect toxicity, but the diversity of NPS makes this area challenging and ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Grover P — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Miller, Grover P
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.