Understanding and reducing the effects of oxycodone on pregnancy and fetal development
Official title: Strategies to define and mitigate the placental and fetal alterations caused by maternal oxycodone exposure
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10750458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,655,006 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA059177-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10750458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have been exposed to oxycodone or other opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who have not been exposed to opioids during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Lynda Katherine — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Harris, Lynda Katherine
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.