NIH-funded research Career grant

Using brain and computational tools to understand opioid use disorder and its effects on decision-making.

Official title: Integrating brain, neurocognitive, and computational tools in Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) to characterize executive function and to predict clinical outcomes

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11031951 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how opioid use disorder affects thinking skills and recovery by using brain scans and tests, with the hope of finding better ways to help people with this condition and prevent them from relapsing.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2023
Project endFebruary 29, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$189,646
NIH project number5K01DA056700-03
Project IDNIH-11031951 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder, particularly those experiencing co-occurring mental health issues.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or related cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how opioid use disorder (OUD) affects executive function and clinical outcomes by integrating brain imaging, neurocognitive assessments, and advanced computational methods like deep learning. The goal is to identify the impact of OUD and related issues, such as anxiety and depression, on cognitive abilities and treatment success. By understanding these relationships, the research aims to improve treatment strategies and prevent relapse in individuals struggling with OUD. Patients may be assessed through various cognitive tests and brain imaging techniques to gather data on their condition.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for individuals with opioid use disorder, improving their chances of recovery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neurocognitive and imaging tools to understand addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Regier, Paul — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Regier, Paul

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.