Understanding genetic factors in opioid use disorder

Multivariate genome-wide association analysis of opioid-related traits in half a million diverse individuals

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11030147

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030147 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of opioid use or those at risk of developing opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who have never used opioids or have no family history of substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

La Jolla, 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 addictive disorder
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.