Pacific Research Team Develops Innovative Single-Dose Treatment for Fentanyl Overdoses
A new drug delivery system developed by researchers at the University of the Pacific offers a significant breakthrough in the fight against opioid overdoses. The study, published in Nature Communications, presents a single-dose treatment that steadily releases naloxone for up to one week, providing extended protection against fentanyl and other opioids.
The technology uses a derivative of Acoramidis, an FDA-approved drug previously identified by Professor Mamoun Alhamadsheh. Acoramidis binds strongly and specifically to transthyretin, a protein found in human blood.
When injected under the skin, the system creates a drug reservoir that gradually releases naloxone over time, significantly extending its effectiveness beyond the one-hour duration of conventional naloxone treatments.
This approach offers multiple benefits, including a reduced risk of overdose, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and minimised side effects.
Additionally, the system is cost-effective, chemically stable, and does not require refrigeration, making it ideal for emergency use in various settings.
With its extended-release capability, this technology has the potential to not only prevent opioid overdoses but also deter drug misuse. It could also be explored as a preventative measure for military personnel or as a defence against the use of fentanyl as a chemical weapon.
The research lays a strong foundation for future studies aimed at bringing this life-saving solution into real-world application.
