Understanding the effects of early-life opioid exposure and withdrawal on the brain and immune system
Official title: Investigation of acute and long-term neuroimmune changes induced by early-life opioid exposure and withdrawal
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11085299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to opioids during pregnancy affects babies, especially those who experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, and it aims to find ways to help improve their health by understanding changes in their brains and immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,629 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA059211-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085299 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include infants exposed to opioids in utero and diagnosed with NOWS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to opioids during pregnancy or do not exhibit symptoms of NOWS may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to opioids during pregnancy affects infants, particularly focusing on those who develop Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). It aims to explore the immediate and long-term changes in the brain and immune system of these infants, using a novel mouse model to simulate the effects of opioid exposure. By examining the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, the study seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and improve health outcomes for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for infants suffering from NOWS, potentially enhancing their long-term health and development.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research on the long-term effects of NOWS, preliminary studies have indicated potential immune dysfunction, suggesting that this area of investigation is both novel and critical.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferrante, Julia Renee — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ferrante, Julia Renee
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.