Understanding the effects of fentanyl on breathing and heart function
Official title: Investigating the mechanistic consequences of fentanyl-induced hypoxia and cardiorespiratory collapse
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11138682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fentanyl affects breathing and heart function, especially when someone has trouble breathing, to help improve treatments for people who have overdosed on opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,997 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA061412-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced or are at risk of fentanyl exposure and related respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to fentanyl or similar ultrapotent synthetic opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, affects breathing and heart function, particularly in cases of respiratory failure. The study aims to understand the cellular and systemic consequences that occur after reversing the effects of fentanyl-induced respiratory collapse. By developing a novel model, researchers will observe how the body responds after resuscitation, focusing on vital organs like the heart, lungs, and brain. This knowledge could help improve treatment strategies for patients affected by opioid overdoses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment protocols for patients experiencing respiratory failure due to fentanyl overdose.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of opioids on respiratory function, but this specific approach to studying fentanyl-induced complications is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Alfredo J — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Alfredo J
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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.