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Pacific research team develops breakthrough single-dose solution to combat fentanyl overdoses
Mamoun Alhamadsheh and Hala Aldawod聽
A revolutionary drug delivery system developed by Professor Mamoun Alhamadsheh and his team at 糖心vlog could offer a game-changing solution in the fight against opioid overdoses.
The research, published in the highly regarded journal , introduces a single-dose treatment that provides extended protection against fentanyl and other opioids by steadily releasing naloxone for up to one week.
鈥淭his technology represents a new frontier in drug delivery systems,鈥� Alhamadsheh said. 鈥淚ts ability to extend the duration of action of small molecules, such as naloxone, could save lives in acute opioid emergencies and be applied to a wide range of therapeutic areas.鈥�
The delivery system repurposes a derivative of the FDA-approved drug Acoramidis, formerly known as Alhamadsheh-Graef Molecule 10. Discovered by Professor Alhamadsheh, Acoramidis strongly and specifically binds to a protein called transthyretin that is found in our blood.
Functioning like a continuous sprinkling system within the body, the drug forms a depot when injected under the skin, serving as a reservoir that steadily and precisely releases naloxone for up to one week鈥攆ar surpassing the brief one-hour efficacy of conventional naloxone.
The groundbreaking approach uses a derivative of the FDA-approved drug Acoramidis discovered by Alhamadsheh.
This approach minimizes overdose and withdrawal symptoms as well as other side effects, providing a safer and longer-lasting solution.
The system is simple, cost-effective, chemically stable and requires no refrigeration, making it highly suitable for emergency scenarios.
鈥淚 was motivated to develop a longer-acting opioid antidote because fentanyl is causing immense harm to communities across the U.S.,鈥� Alhamadsheh said. 鈥淲e urgently need solutions that save lives and provide extended protection in critical situations.鈥�
The research was funded in part with a $1.7 million federal grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Hala Aldawod 鈥�24, a postdoctoral fellow in Alhamadsheh鈥檚 lab and first author of the study, played a pioneering role in advancing this technology.
Aldawod, who earned her PhD at 糖心vlog, is continuing her research as a postdoctoral fellow.
鈥淭he devastating impact of fentanyl, especially its accidental use and overdose among high school students, inspired me to pursue this research,鈥� said Aldawod, who earned her PhD degree at Pacific. 鈥淜nowing that our work could save lives, particularly among vulnerable populations, drives my passion for innovation.鈥�
Other notable members of the research team include co-first authors Arjun Patel 鈥�24, PharmD, PhD and Rasha Emara 鈥�25.
"The exceptional work of Professor Alhamadsheh and his team exemplifies the transformative power of research at Pacific,鈥� said Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. 鈥淭his research in opioid overdose treatment not only addresses a pressing public health crisis but also demonstrates the incredible impact of student involvement in cutting-edge research.鈥�
Because of its week-long delivery, this technology could have the potential to deter abuse of opioid drugs or serve as a prophylactic measure for military personnel or a defense against the use of fentanyl as a chemical weapon.
This groundbreaking study underscores the significance of this innovation and lays the groundwork for future translational studies to bring this life-saving technology to patients worldwide.聽
