Understanding how brain connectivity and genetics affect opioid addiction treatment outcomes
Official title: Brain connectivity and genetics as predictors of opioid abuse treatment outcomes
Funded at Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center · NIH-11115546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain connections and genes can help predict how well people with opioid use disorder, like veterans, will respond to treatments such as buprenorphine and methadone, so we can improve care for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2020 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX001937-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder, particularly veterans who may have complex pain management needs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those who are not seeking treatment for addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between brain connectivity and genetic factors in predicting treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). By utilizing advanced brain imaging techniques and machine learning algorithms, the study aims to identify which patients are more likely to succeed or struggle with treatments like buprenorphine and methadone. The goal is to enhance treatment strategies and allocate resources more effectively, particularly for vulnerable populations such as veterans. Participants will undergo brain imaging and genetic testing to contribute to this important understanding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for patients with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using brain imaging and genetic analysis to predict treatment outcomes in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salas, Ramiro — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Salas, Ramiro
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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.