Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Southern California received a $108,000 Project Grant award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) under the Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs (CFDA 93.279) with an award date of February 15, 2026, and a completion date of January 31, 2028. The research focuses on decoding the molecular mechanisms of a kappa opioid receptor (KOR) selective negative allosteric modulator (NAM), with the goal of advancing therapeutic approaches to address the opioid crisis. The project will investigate the structural and functional basis of KOR modulation through negative allosteric modulation, which has potential to provide more selective and clinically effective alternatives to conventional antagonists by enabling residual endogenous signaling and maintaining a broader therapeutic window.

This research addresses critical gaps in understanding KOR signaling and inhibition that have limited the clinical utility of KOR-targeted therapeutics. By elucidating how the recently discovered KOR-selective NAM operates at the molecular level, the project will contribute to the development of enhanced KOR antagonists with reduced side effects and improved outcomes compared to existing opioid management therapeutics, including naloxone. The findings are intended to support the framework for creating safer pain management alternatives and treatments for opioid withdrawal symptoms, directly contributing to mitigation efforts for the ongoing opioid public health crisis.