Understanding the brain's role in opioid use disorders

Penn PET Addiction Center of Excellence (Penn PACE)

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10652555

This study is looking at how opioid use affects the brain and aims to find new ways to help people struggling with addiction, and it's for those who are seeking treatment at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Studies of Addiction.

Quick facts

Grant typeP30 center grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10652555 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the neurobiology of opioid use disorders (OUDs) using advanced imaging techniques like Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Patients seeking treatment for addiction at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Studies of Addiction will be involved in studies that explore how opioid receptors affect addiction and sensitivity, as well as the impact of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The collaboration with Yale University enhances the research's depth and scope, aiming to develop novel strategies for treating OUDs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorders.

Not a fit: Patients not affected by opioid use disorders or those not seeking treatment for addiction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using PET imaging to study brain function in addiction has shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
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.