Using a GLP-1 Agonist to Help Treat Opioid Addiction
Use of a GLP-1 Agonist to Treat Opioid Use Disorder in Rats and Man
This study is looking at whether a new medication can help people with opioid addiction feel less cravings and reduce the chances of going back to using opioids, based on encouraging results seen in animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11077300 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of a GLP-1 receptor agonist to reduce opioid cravings and relapse in individuals with opioid use disorder. The study will involve a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial to assess the effectiveness of this treatment in humans, following promising results observed in animal models. By targeting the brain's reward and need pathways, the research aims to provide a new therapeutic approach to combat the high relapse rates associated with opioid addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are seeking new treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients who are not struggling with opioid addiction or those who have contraindications to GLP-1 receptor agonists may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a novel treatment option that significantly reduces relapse rates in patients with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce substance-seeking behavior in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grigson, Patricia Sue — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Grigson, Patricia Sue
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 below.