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Emerging Synthetic Opioids and α2-agonists: Translational Investigation of Respiratory and Behavioral Risk

Award Number: F31DA067103
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/10/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/09/2028

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Emerging Synthetic Opioids and α2-agonists: Translational Investigation of Respiratory and Behavioral Risk - PROJECT SUMMARY/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.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $43,686 )
2026	2026	VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY	910 WEST FRANKLIN ST	RICHMOND	VA	23284	RICHMOND CITY	USA	Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs	001	1	7/16/2026	NEW	$0
2026	2026	VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY	910 WEST FRANKLIN ST	RICHMOND	VA	23284	RICHMOND CITY	USA	Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs	000	1	7/16/2026	NEW	$43,686
														Subtotal = $43,686

Grand Total All Awards = $43,686

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Emerging Synthetic Opioids and α2-agonists: Translational Investigation of Respiratory and Behavioral Risk

Award Number: F31DA067103

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/10/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/09/2028

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