NX90: a faster overdose treatment for fentanyl and other powerful opioids

NX90: A Treatment for Overdose Caused by High Potency Opioids

NIH-funded research Serodopa Therapeutics INC · NIH-11195678

NX90 is a new naloxone-derived antidote designed to quickly restore breathing for people who overdose on fentanyl and other high-potency opioids.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSerodopa Therapeutics INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11195678 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project is developing NX90, a modified form of naloxone meant to reach the brain faster and work at lower doses to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression. The company is improving brain exposure and onset of action in lab studies and preclinical testing as a step toward human trials. If those steps are successful, the drug would move into clinical testing to confirm safety and effectiveness against fentanyl-like overdoses. The aim is an antidote that acts more reliably and with fewer side effects when standard naloxone is insufficient.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People who are at risk of, or have experienced, overdoses from fentanyl or other high-potency synthetic opioids would be the primary candidates for treatment or future trials.

Not a fit: People with non-opioid causes of respiratory depression, or those with known allergies to naloxone-like drugs, would likely not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, NX90 could restore breathing more quickly and reliably after fentanyl-related overdoses, potentially reducing deaths and emergency complications.

How similar studies have performed: Naloxone is the current standard and can be less effective against fentanyl, and while higher doses or alternative antagonists have been explored, naloxone-derived drugs designed specifically for faster brain action are relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.