Using nanoparticles to counteract xylazine and opioid overdoses
Official title: Xylazine and opioid overdose mitigation therapy using decoy receptor biomimetic nanoparticles, NarcoBond platform
Funded at Cibots, INC. · NIH-10920983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called NarcoBond that uses tiny sponges to help people who have overdosed on opioids like fentanyl and xylazine, a strong sedative, by safely capturing these drugs in the body to reverse their dangerous effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cibots, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $479,731 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA060033-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of opioid and xylazine overdoses, including those with substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or xylazine, or those who are not at risk of overdose, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to mitigate the dangers of opioid overdoses, particularly those involving xylazine, a potent veterinary sedative. The team is developing a 'nanosponge' technology called NarcoBond that utilizes decoy receptors to safely capture and neutralize both xylazine and fentanyl in the body. By targeting the specific receptors these drugs affect, the goal is to create an effective antidote that can reverse the life-threatening effects of these substances. This innovative method aims to address a critical gap in current overdose treatments, as existing options do not work against xylazine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a life-saving treatment for individuals experiencing overdoses from xylazine and opioids.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using nanoparticles for drug mitigation is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other areas of drug delivery and overdose treatment, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Cibots, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Esmaeli-Azad, Babak — Cibots, INC.
- Study coordinator: Esmaeli-Azad, Babak
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.