Targeting OPRM1 exon 7 variants to reduce opioid side effects without reducing pain relief
Official title: Establishing Oprm1 exon 7-associated variants as novel therapeutic targets for mitigating adverse effects of clinically used mu opioids without altering analgesia in pain management
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11326813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to block certain gene variants that cause side effects from common opioid meds while keeping their pain relief.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $693,227 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA060222-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11326813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with moderate-to-severe pain who are treated with mu opioid medications and at risk of adverse effects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose pain management does not involve mu opioids or who do not experience adverse effects related to these medications.
What this research studies
This project focuses on mu opioid receptors and how different RNA splice variants of the OPRM1 gene contribute to side effects like tolerance, dependence, and respiratory depression. Researchers plan to use genetic and molecular approaches to target exon 7–associated variants, aiming to separate unwanted effects from analgesia. The work builds on animal studies and new antisense strategies to modulate receptor tails, with the goal of safer opioid options for patients needing effective pain control. If successful, this could lead to therapies that preserve pain relief while reducing common opioid-related harms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potential to lessen opioid-related side effects and risks while maintaining effective pain relief for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies show that altering exon 7–associated tails can reduce adverse opioid effects without harming analgesia, suggesting potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Ying-Xian — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Pan, Ying-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.