Using etimizol to counteract respiratory issues caused by xylazine and fentanyl
Official title: Etimizol for reversal of Xylazine-fentanyl respiratory depression
Funded at Synventa, LLC · NIH-11036055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether etimizol can help people who have trouble breathing because of xylazine and fentanyl use, offering a new treatment option for those affected by these substances.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Synventa, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $277,389 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA061953-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced xylazine intoxication or are at risk of respiratory depression due to the use of xylazine and fentanyl.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use xylazine or fentanyl, or those with respiratory depression caused by other non-opioid substances, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of etimizol, a respiratory stimulant, to reverse the respiratory depression caused by xylazine, especially when used in combination with fentanyl. Patients who experience xylazine intoxication often suffer from severe central nervous system depression and respiratory issues, and current treatments like naloxone do not address these effects. The study aims to evaluate etimizol's effectiveness in laboratory models, with the hope of introducing a new treatment option for affected patients. By exploring a drug that has been previously overlooked, the research seeks to provide a solution to a growing public health crisis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment for reversing life-threatening respiratory depression in patients exposed to xylazine and fentanyl.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that etimizol can reverse respiratory depression in animal models, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Synventa, LLC
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomtsian, Artour — Synventa, LLC
- Study coordinator: Gomtsian, Artour
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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.