NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Using extended-release naltrexone to prevent opioid overdose in people using stimulants and at risk for HIV

Official title: Taking Our Shot: Extended-Release Naltrexone as Opioid Overdose Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in People Using Stimulants Living With or At Risk of HIV

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10908084 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at whether a long-lasting injection of naltrexone can help prevent opioid overdoses in people who use stimulants and are living with or at risk for HIV, comparing it to regular harm reduction methods to see which works better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$2,460,000
NIH project number1DP2DA060600-01
Project IDNIH-10908084 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use stimulants and are living with or at risk for HIV.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not use stimulants or are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone as a preventive measure against opioid overdose in individuals who use stimulants and are living with or at risk for HIV. The study will compare the effectiveness of this medication against a standard harm reduction approach in a randomized controlled trial. Participants will be monitored for their experiences and outcomes, and biomarkers will be used to assess substance use over time. The goal is to understand how this intervention can help reduce overdose deaths in this vulnerable population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of opioid overdose among individuals using stimulants and improve health outcomes for those living with or at risk for HIV.

How similar studies have gone: While the concept of opioid overdose pre-exposure prophylaxis is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in other populations, suggesting potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Appa, Ayesha a — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Appa, Ayesha a

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.