Understanding fetal brain health in babies exposed to opioids during pregnancy
Official title: Assessment of fetal brain health via circulating exRNA carriers for opioid use disorder in pregnancy
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10915013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles in a pregnant person's blood can help us understand the brain health of babies who might be affected by opioid use during pregnancy, so we can better predict which newborns may need extra care for withdrawal symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $714,855 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057748-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals using opioids and their newborns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or whose infants were not exposed to opioids during gestation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how extracellular RNA carriers in maternal blood can provide insights into fetal brain health for infants exposed to opioids during pregnancy. By analyzing these RNA carriers, researchers aim to identify biomarkers that can predict which newborns may develop neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and require treatment. The study focuses on isolating and studying extracellular vesicles derived from the fetal brain, which can cross the placenta and offer valuable information about fetal neurodevelopment. This approach could lead to personalized assessments for infants at risk due to opioid exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prediction and management of neonatal abstinence syndrome in infants exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles for understanding fetal health, suggesting this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiu, Daniel T — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Chiu, Daniel T
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Understanding Fetal Brain Health in Pregnancies with Opioid Use
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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.