New treatments for opioid addiction using GPR88 agonists
Brain-penetrant GPR88 agonists as novel therapeutics for opioid abuse
This study is looking at new medications that could help people dealing with opioid addiction by targeting a specific brain receptor, aiming to make it easier to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10517225 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new small-molecule drugs that target the GPR88 receptor in the brain to help reduce addiction-related behaviors and withdrawal symptoms in individuals dependent on opioids. By utilizing advanced techniques and animal models, the team aims to create effective GPR88 agonists that can be used as potential therapies for opioid use disorders. The project builds on previous findings that suggest GPR88 plays a crucial role in modulating opioid receptor activity, which could lead to innovative treatment options for patients struggling with addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are dependent on opioids and experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who are not dependent on opioids or who are not experiencing withdrawal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic options for individuals suffering from opioid addiction, potentially improving their recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting GPR88 is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in using similar receptor-targeting strategies for addiction treatment.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, Michael — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Jackson, Michael
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 below.