Understanding how synthetic opioids and methamphetamine affect breathing and muscle function
Official title: Airway compromise and skeletal muscle rigidity as toxicity contributors in synthetic opioid and methamphetamine co-administered rats
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10810096 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how synthetic opioids like fentanyl and methamphetamine affect breathing and muscle stiffness in rats, with the goal of finding ways to help people who overdose on these drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $244,891 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA058110-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10810096 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of opioid or methamphetamine overdose, particularly those over 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use synthetic opioids or methamphetamine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the toxic effects of synthetic opioids like fentanyl and methamphetamine on breathing and muscle rigidity using rat models. The study aims to determine how these drugs contribute to respiratory depression and airway compromise, which are critical factors in overdose deaths. By exploring the mechanisms behind these effects, the research seeks to identify potential therapies that could mitigate the harmful impacts of these substances. The findings could lead to improved medical management strategies for overdose victims.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse the life-threatening effects of synthetic opioids and methamphetamine in overdose situations.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on the individual effects of opioids and stimulants, this specific investigation into their combined toxicity is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cotten, Joseph F — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cotten, Joseph F
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.