Using AI to find new treatments for opioid use disorder

AI-Powered chemical-pathway-patient-directed polypharmacology for OUD therapy

NIH-funded research Dark Matter Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11143435

This study is exploring new medications for people struggling with opioid use disorder by using advanced technology to find compounds that can help improve brain function and support recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDark Matter Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Wilmington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11143435 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new small molecule therapies for opioid use disorder (OUD) by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques. The approach aims to identify compounds that can target multiple cell types and pathways involved in addiction, particularly those affected by opioids like oxycodone. By integrating both target-based and phenotype-based methodologies, the research seeks to efficiently discover novel drug candidates that can restore brain function and improve treatment outcomes for patients with OUD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by opioid use disorder or those who have not responded to previous treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using AI for drug discovery, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment options for complex conditions like OUD.

Where this research is happening

Wilmington, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
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.