Award
NIH Reporter #5K01DA052673-05
Opioid-Sparing and Pain-Reducing Properties of Syntocinon: A Dose-Effect Determination
Recipient
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
Award Amount
$192,852.00
Ceiling
$192,852.00
Awarded
January 28, 2026
Identifier
5K01DA052673-05
The project studies the potential of intranasal syntocinon to reduce oxycodone abuse and pain, using a controlled trial with recreational opioid users, aiming to develop safer pain therapies and combat opioid misuse.
Description
This project investigates whether intranasal syntocinon (oxytocin) can reduce the abuse potential of oxycodone and alleviate experimental pain by affecting brain structure, function, and biochemistry. The study involves administering syntocinon or placebo to recreational opioid users after oral oxycodone in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject design. Outcomes include abuse liability, cardiovascular and respiratory responses, pain measures, and neuroimaging data. The research aims to develop a novel therapeutic approach to curb the opioid crisis and advance understanding of neurobiological mechanisms linking pain and addiction.