Protocol Title: Preclinical assessment of PT-150 for opioid use disorder and PTSD
Objective:
Testing PT-150 as a treatment for OUD, in animals both with and without PTSD.
Hypothesis:
The overall working hypothesis of this basic science study is that selective blockade of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in brain with PT-150 will serve as an effective pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Stressful events can serve as a potent trigger for relapse among individuals who are being treated for OUD, as well as serving as basis for inducing an anxiety disorder (PTSD) that can predispose an individual to OUD.
Number of Animals to be used: n = 168 Rattus norvegicus domesticus
Subject Completion Target: n = 80
Study Synopsis:
While replacement therapies are effective in reducing illicit intravenous use of opioids, individuals stay physically dependent and may continue to abuse other non-opioid drugs (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine). In addition, use of opioid antagonists (naltrexone) is impeded by poor patient compliance. Thus, novel treatments beyond simple agonist or antagonist therapies are needed for those individuals who are motivated to break the addiction cycle.