Understanding and reducing the effects of oxycodone on pregnancy and fetal development

Strategies to define and mitigate the placental and fetal alterations caused by maternal oxycodone exposure

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10750458

This study is looking at how being exposed to oxycodone during pregnancy might change the placenta and affect the baby's brain development, and it will also explore if melatonin can help reduce any harmful effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-10750458 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to oxycodone during pregnancy affects the placenta and fetal brain development. It aims to identify the specific changes caused by this opioid and how they impact the growth and cognitive abilities of the fetus. The study will utilize animal models to explore the mechanisms of these alterations and test whether melatonin can help mitigate the negative effects. By examining both the structure and function of the placenta and fetal brain, the research seeks to provide insights into potential interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have been exposed to oxycodone or other opioids.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who have not been exposed to opioids during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved outcomes for newborns affected by opioid exposure during pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that interventions targeting placental function can improve outcomes in similar contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, 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.
Conditions Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
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.