Targeting a new brain-protecting approach to help people after non-fatal opioid overdoses
Official title: Targeting novel translation mechanism to treat NFOO-induced hypoxia-related brain injuries
Funded at Transchromix, LLC. · NIH-11239364 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH-funded project aims to develop a brain-protective treatment that could lessen brain injury after non-fatal opioid overdoses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Transchromix, LLC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,994 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DA064241-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11239364 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have experienced non-fatal opioid overdoses and are at risk for hypoxia-related brain injury may be eligible for future studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to opioid overdoses or without signs of hypoxia-related brain injury may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the harm caused by non-fatal opioid overdoses, especially brain injury from low oxygen. It studies a brain-penetrant drug called MS1262 that inhibits a molecule (G9a) involved in damaging responses to hypoxia, with the goal of reducing injury and improving cognitive and motor function after overdose. The team plans to test how blocking G9a translation mechanisms can protect brain cells and support recovery. If successful, this approach could complement naloxone by addressing long-term brain health. The work is conducted in a research setting with animal and human-relevant models to translate findings toward potential therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could reduce brain injury and improve recovery after opioid overdoses.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that inhibiting G9a can be protective in hypoxia-related injury in various models, suggesting promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Transchromix, LLC.
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xian — Transchromix, LLC.
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xian
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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.