Oxytocin's role in reducing opioid overdose risks in sleep apnea patients
Official title: Oxytocin Neurotransmission Overcomes Sleep Apnea-Related OIRD Hypersensitivity
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11141603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how oxytocin, a hormone that can help with pain and anxiety, might make it safer for people with sleep apnea to use opioids for pain relief, by reducing the risks that come with these medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $540,458 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA060239-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea who require opioid medications for pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sleep apnea or those not using opioids for pain management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how oxytocin, a hormone known for its pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing properties, can help patients with sleep apnea who are more sensitive to the respiratory depressant effects of opioids. The study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind this sensitivity and explore the potential of oxytocin to counteract the dangerous effects of opioids without compromising their pain-relieving benefits. By examining the relationship between oxytocin neurotransmission and respiratory responses in sleep apnea patients, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies to improve patient safety during opioid treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer opioid use for sleep apnea patients, reducing the risk of overdose while maintaining effective pain management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with oxytocin in improving symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and mitigating opioid effects, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toney, Glenn M — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Toney, Glenn M
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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.