Testing a new treatment approach for opioid use disorder
Official title: Validating a novel chemogenetic strategy for opioid use disorder
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11058483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with opioid use disorder by using a special treatment that might reduce cravings and help them use fewer opioids, and it's being tested in animals to see if it works better than current treatments that need to be taken all the time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $210,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057695-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are struggling with opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing opioid use disorder or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel chemogenetic strategy aimed at treating opioid use disorder (OUD) by using adeno-associated viral vectors to suppress dopamine release in the brain. The study will explore whether this method can effectively reduce opioid consumption and extinguish cravings in animal models with a history of opioid use. By focusing on a single treatment that could provide long-lasting protection, the research aims to address the limitations of current OUD treatments that require ongoing medication adherence. If successful, this innovative approach could lead to a breakthrough in how OUD is treated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a one-time treatment that provides lifelong protection against opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar strategies using chemogenetics have shown promise in other areas of addiction research, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sjulson, Lucas L — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sjulson, Lucas L
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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.