New technology for long-lasting naloxone to treat opioid overdose
Official title: Novel formulation technology for the sustained release naloxone to improve outcomes in the management of opioid overdose
Funded at Lynthera Corporation · NIH-10786306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to deliver naloxone, a medication that helps people who have overdosed on opioids, by using a special gel that slowly releases the medicine over time, making it easier for those with opioid use disorder to get the help they need without needing multiple doses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lynthera Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lancaster, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | September 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $320,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA058477-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10786306 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of opioid overdose, including those with opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or are not at risk of overdose may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new formulation of naloxone that can be released slowly over time to improve its effectiveness in treating opioid overdoses. The approach involves creating a special hydrogel that contains naloxone-encapsulated nanoparticles, which will be injected under the skin and turn into a gel at body temperature. This method aims to provide a more sustained release of naloxone, potentially reducing the need for repeated doses and minimizing withdrawal symptoms in patients with opioid use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths by providing a more effective treatment option.
How similar studies have gone: While naloxone is already a well-established treatment for opioid overdose, this specific formulation approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Lynthera Corporation
Lancaster, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Torres Luna, Cesar — Lynthera Corporation
- Study coordinator: Torres Luna, Cesar
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.