Understanding how the brain affects opioid use
Official title: Neural mechanisms underlying opioid consumption
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11057047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brains of male and female mice react to morphine to better understand why some people might misuse opioids, with the hope of finding new ways to help treat opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $237,600 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DA060335-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use or those at risk of developing opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or have no history of substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that contribute to opioid consumption, focusing on differences between male and female responses. Using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study will analyze how brain connectivity varies in mice before and after they consume morphine. By observing these changes, researchers aim to identify potential biomarkers that could predict opioid misuse. This approach seeks to enhance our understanding of opioid use disorder and improve treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted treatments for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding brain mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treating substance use disorders, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamens, Helen M — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Kamens, Helen M
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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.