New treatment approach for opioid use disorder using epigenetic regulation
Official title: Developing a novel epigenetic regulator as a treatment for opioid use disorder
Funded at Epivario, LLC · NIH-10822300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with opioid use disorder by looking at a specific enzyme that affects cravings and memories related to drug use, and it aims to find a treatment that could make it easier for individuals to overcome their addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Epivario, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $275,253 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA058603-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10822300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with opioid use disorder or those who have not responded to previous treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) by targeting the metabolic enzyme ACSS2, which plays a crucial role in memory processes related to drug cravings and relapse. The approach involves screening next-generation inhibitors of ACSS2 to assess their effectiveness in reducing drug-related cue memory in a rat model. By inhibiting ACSS2, the research aims to disrupt the memory encoding associated with opioid use, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with OUD. The study seeks to address the limitations of current pharmacotherapies that primarily target opioid receptors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for individuals with opioid use disorder, reducing relapse rates and improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting epigenetic regulators is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in using similar strategies to address addiction-related behaviors.
Where this research is happening
-
Epivario, LLC
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Thomas — Epivario, LLC
- Study coordinator: Kim, Thomas
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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.