National Institute on Drug Abuse 5K01DA052673-05

Opioid-Sparing and Pain-Reducing Properties of Syntocinon: A Dose-Effect Determination

The award funds research at the University of Florida to study intranasal syntocinon as a treatment to reduce opioid abuse liability and pain. The study uses behavioral and neuroimaging methods to assess effects in recreational opioid users, aiming to develop novel therapies to address the opioid crisis.

Description

This project aims to evaluate the potential of intranasal oxytocin (syntocinon) to reduce opioid abuse liability and pain, using a combination of behavioral, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurobiological, and neuroimaging measures in a controlled laboratory setting. The study involves 30 healthy recreational opioid users self-administering syntocinon or placebo shortly after oral oxycodone in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, within-subjects laboratory study. The research seeks to reduce opioid abuse potential while preserving analgesic effects, advancing pharmacotherapy and understanding neurobiological mechanisms linking abuse potential and pain.

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