Understanding genetic factors in opioid use disorder
Official title: Multivariate genome-wide association analysis of opioid-related traits in half a million diverse individuals
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11030147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might affect the risk of developing problems with opioid use, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how to better prevent and treat opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $715,238 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA061977-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of opioid use or those at risk of developing opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used opioids or have no family history of substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic differences influence susceptibility to opioid use disorder (OUD) by analyzing data from half a million diverse individuals. It employs genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genetic markers associated with both the initial use of opioids and the progression to problematic use. By focusing on pre-addiction stages, the research aims to uncover critical insights that could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for OUD. The findings may help in developing new pharmacotherapies tailored to individuals' genetic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies for opioid use disorder, ultimately reducing the impact of the opioid epidemic.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using genome-wide association studies has successfully identified genetic factors related to other substance use disorders, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanchez Roige, Sandra — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Sanchez Roige, Sandra
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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.