Understanding Brain Cells and Opioid Withdrawal
Official title: Microglia and Opioid Withdrawal: Mechanisms of Negative Reinforcement
Funded at Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res · NIH-11127726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how specific brain cells called microglia contribute to the difficult experience of opioid withdrawal and the risk of relapse for individuals struggling with opioid use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $397,287 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA052618-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is not recruiting patients directly but aims to benefit individuals experiencing opioid withdrawal and those at high risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not currently struggling with opioid use disorder or withdrawal symptoms would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people facing opioid addiction experience severe withdrawal symptoms and a strong urge to use again, often called being "dope sick," which can last a long time. This project looks into how immune cells in the brain, called microglia, might play a role in these challenging withdrawal symptoms and the ongoing risk of relapse. We believe that by understanding how these brain cells change during opioid use and withdrawal, we can find new ways to help people overcome addiction. The goal is to uncover the specific ways microglia contribute to the negative feelings of withdrawal, which could lead to better treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications or therapies that target microglia to reduce the severity of opioid withdrawal and prevent relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research by this team, supported by an earlier grant, has already shown significant changes in microglia during opioid withdrawal, providing a strong foundation for this current work.
Where this research is happening
-
Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neumaier, John F — Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res
- Study coordinator: Neumaier, John F
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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.