Reducing opioid abuse while enhancing pain relief
Official title: Targeting PEN-GPR83 as a as a strategy to reduce opioid abuse liability
Funded at Rowan University · NIH-11048994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to make opioid pain medications safer by targeting a specific part of the brain that could help reduce the risk of addiction while still providing relief from pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Glassboro, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $472,983 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA059646-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who require opioid medications for pain management but are concerned about the potential for addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require opioid medications for pain management or those who are already experiencing severe addiction issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to minimize the risk of opioid abuse while maintaining their effectiveness in pain relief. It focuses on a specific target in the brain, PEN-GPR83, which may help block the rewarding effects of opioids like morphine while still providing pain relief. The researchers will use various scientific techniques, including biochemistry and imaging, to understand how this target interacts with pain pathways in the brain. By unraveling these mechanisms, the study aims to develop safer opioid medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer opioid medications that provide effective pain relief without the high risk of addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways to reduce opioid abuse, suggesting that this approach could be a viable strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Rowan University
Glassboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fakira, Amanda Kathleen — Rowan University
- Study coordinator: Fakira, Amanda Kathleen
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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.