Targeting brain cells to improve treatments for opioid use disorder

Targeting PFC interneurons for personalized treatments in OUD

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10840163

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10840163 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who experience persistent symptoms related to mood and cravings.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Pittsburgh, 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.
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.