NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Novel 5-HT2A/mGluR5 blocker for opioid use disorder

Official title: Novel 5-HT2A/mGluR5 Antagonist for Opioid Use Disorder

Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11403955 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new drug candidate targeting serotonin and mGluR5 receptors is being studied to help people with opioid use disorder alongside existing treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2025
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,136,467
NIH project number5UG3DA063353-02
Project IDNIH-11403955 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with opioid use disorder who are receiving standard MAT and are able to participate in early-phase pharmacology studies.

Less likely to help

Individuals not suitable for early-phase trials or with contraindications to study medications may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project tests VVZ-2417, a selective 5-HT2A and mGluR5 antagonist, as an addition to current opioid use disorder treatments. Building on preclinical and early human data, researchers aim to see if the compound can reduce drug-seeking behavior, improve mood-related symptoms, and lower relapse risk. The work includes phased safety assessments in humans and progresses toward evaluating effectiveness in reducing opioid use and withdrawal-related challenges. The initiative is a collaboration between Vivozon Inc. and Virginia Commonwealth University and is supported by NIH funding to advance potential new therapies for OUD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could augment current OUD therapies to reduce relapse and improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Prior data show safety and some pharmacodynamic signals, with supportive preclinical results suggesting potential benefit.

Where this research is happening

  • Virginia Commonwealth University
    Richmond, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Moeller, Frederick Gerard — Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Study coordinator: Moeller, Frederick Gerard

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.