Targeting brain cells to improve treatments for opioid use disorder
Official title: Targeting PFC interneurons for personalized treatments in OUD
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10840163 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells affect mood and cravings in people with opioid use disorder, to help create personalized treatments that work better for each individual.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $538,018 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA058704-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10840163 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who experience persistent symptoms related to mood and cravings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those who are not experiencing significant mood or craving issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing personalized treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) by investigating the role of specific brain cells in the prefrontal cortex. Using electroencephalography (EEG), researchers will assess brain activity related to mood, motivation, and cravings in individuals with OUD. The goal is to identify biomarkers that can guide individualized treatment strategies and improve understanding of how brain function changes with opioid use. By exploring the connections between brain cell types and EEG patterns, this research aims to enhance treatment efficacy for those struggling with OUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatment options for individuals with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using EEG to understand brain function in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joffe, Max E — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Joffe, Max E
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.