Emerging synthetic opioids and Α2-agonists: translational investigation of respiratory and behavioral risk
Active Project Grant Awarded Last action
- Award ID
- F31DA067103
- Recipient
-
Virginia Commonwealth University UEI MLQFL4JSSAA9
- Awarding agency
-
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services
- Obligated
- $87,372
Award facts
- Assistance listing
- 93.279 Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs
- Completion date 0% complete
- Originally
- Place of performance
- Richmond, VA 23298, USA
Award details come from USAspending.gov.
Description
- Abstract
- Emerging synthetic opioids, including the nitazene class, are increasingly detected in the illicit drug supply and are associated with rapid-onset respiratory depression and fatal overdose. Recent drug-checking and toxicology reports indicate that Α2-adrenergic agonists, such as medetomidine, are now frequently CO-present with synthetic opioids. Although Α2-agonists reduce sympathetic outflow and can produce profound sedation and hypoventilation, there is little empirical work characterizing their interaction with highly potent synthetic opioids. This GAP hinders the development of evidence-based harm-reduction strategies, the refinement of overdose prevention messaging, and regulatory and public health responses aimed at reducing opioid-involved morbidity and mortality. This project has three aims: (1) evaluate the reinforcing effects of etonitazene using an established operant oral self-administration mouse model; (2) assess the acute and repeated respiratory effects of etonitazene alone and effects of medetomidine adulteration using whole-body plethysmography; and (3) characterize awareness, perceived risk, and use behaviors surrounding nitazenes and Α2-agonist adulterants among people who use opioids (pwuo) to inform evidence-based public health messaging and intervention strategies. Results from the preclinical aims will inform mechanistic understanding of polysubstance overdose risk, while the human survey data will characterize real-world knowledge and risk perceptions among pwuo. Together, these findings will support the development of targeted harm-reduction messaging and guide future translational research on emerging opioids and adulterants. This work aligns with NIH's mission to reduce the burden of substance use disorders and prevent opioid-related morbidity and mortality.
Transactions
| Action | Obligated | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Amendment | $43,686 | |
| Amendment | $0 | |
| Original award | $43,686 |
Quick answers
Who received award F31DA067103?
F31DA067103 was awarded to Virginia Commonwealth University by National Institute on Drug Abuse (National Institutes of Health) on January 15, 2027.
How much is award F31DA067103 worth?
$87,372 has been obligated on F31DA067103.
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