Using non-invasive nerve stimulation to help infants with opioid withdrawal
Official title: Delivering Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation as an Adjunct Treatment for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Funded at Spark Biomedical INC · NIH-10491343 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a gentle treatment called transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation to help babies who are going through withdrawal after being exposed to opioids before birth, with the hope of making them feel better without relying on more medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Spark Biomedical INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Friendswood, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $1,248,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DA050360-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10491343 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome who have been exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newborns or those who have not been exposed to opioids in utero may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation as an additional treatment for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) in infants. NOWS occurs when babies experience withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to opioids in the womb. The study aims to evaluate how this non-invasive technique can help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal, potentially reducing the need for traditional opioid treatments. By focusing on a safer, alternative approach, the research seeks to improve the overall care and outcomes for affected infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer treatment option for infants suffering from opioid withdrawal, reducing their reliance on harmful medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using non-invasive techniques for managing withdrawal symptoms, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Spark Biomedical INC
Friendswood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khodaparast, Navid — Spark Biomedical INC
- Study coordinator: Khodaparast, Navid
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Creating a machine learning tool to identify opioid withdrawal and cravings.
This study is testing a new technology that uses wearable devices to help people in treatment for opioid use disorder by tracking their withdrawal symptoms and cravings, so they can get support when they need it and stay on track with their recovery.
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Using ear stimulation to help people stay in treatment for opioid use disorder
This study is looking at a gentle ear stimulation technique to help people with opioid use disorder stick with their treatment and feel better, offering a safer and easier option than some traditional methods.
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.