Understanding how fentanyl causes breathing problems
Official title: Dissecting the mechanisms underlying fentanyl-induced cardiorespiratory depression
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11167323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fentanyl can slow down breathing and cause overdose, and it’s exploring a new way to help reverse these effects safely, which could make it easier to treat people who have taken too much fentanyl without causing them to feel sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $671,732 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA063220-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk of opioid overdose, particularly those using fentanyl or similar synthetic opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using opioids or who do not have a history of opioid overdose may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which fentanyl leads to respiratory depression, a serious condition that can result in overdose deaths. The study focuses on the role of mu opioid receptors located outside the brain, which may contribute to this dangerous effect. By exploring the use of a specific type of opioid antagonist that targets these peripheral receptors, the research aims to find a way to reverse the effects of fentanyl without causing withdrawal symptoms. This could potentially improve the safety and effectiveness of overdose interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for opioid overdoses that do not induce withdrawal symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using peripheral opioid antagonists for managing opioid-induced side effects, suggesting that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moron-Concepcion, Jose a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Moron-Concepcion, Jose a
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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.