An international team of researchers, led by the University of Glasgow, is launching a groundbreaking study to develop new strategies for reducing opioid addiction. Backed by a £5 million award from the Wellcome Trust, the project will explore whether it is possible to retain the pain-relieving effects of opioids while minimising the risk of addiction.
Tackling Addiction with Targeted Research
The study brings together experts from the University of Glasgow, Vanderbilt University, and the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery. Their focus is on a specific brain protein known as the M5-receptor, which plays a key role in addiction pathways.
By using drug-like molecules to inhibit the M5-receptor, the team hopes to reduce dependency on prescribed opioids without compromising their effectiveness as painkillers. Early research in mouse models has already shown promising results, demonstrating that blocking the M5-receptor significantly decreases addictive behaviours while still allowing opioids to provide pain relief.
Dr Craig Lindsey from the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery emphasised the potential impact of this research: “Our goal is to transform the way opioids are used in medical settings. By targeting the M5-receptor, we hope to develop a treatment that maintains effective pain management without exposing patients to the risks of addiction.”
Addressing the Opioid Crisis
Opioid addiction has become a global health crisis, with over 26 million people worldwide suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). This condition, marked by compulsive opioid use and repeated relapses, often begins with the prescription of opioid-based pain medications such as morphine, oxycodone, and codeine.
In the United States, an estimated 2.7 million people are affected by OUD, while in the UK, more than half of adults undergoing treatment for substance abuse struggle with opioid dependency. In Scotland, opioids are linked to more than 80% of drug-related deaths.
Professor Andrew Tobin, a molecular pharmacology expert at the University of Glasgow, said: “This funding allows us to conduct vital research that could make a significant impact on the opioid crisis. We believe that targeting the M5-receptor offers a promising solution—one that would enable safe opioid use while preventing addiction.”
A New Approach to Pain Management
The team’s research could pave the way for safer pain treatments, offering hope to millions who rely on opioids for pain relief. Dr Carrie Jones from Vanderbilt University highlighted the importance of this study, stating: “For years, clinicians have dreamed of a way to harness the pain-relieving properties of opioids without the devastating risk of addiction. Our work on the M5-receptor could be the breakthrough that turns this vision into reality.”
Real-World Impact
Beyond the laboratory, the research is expected to benefit communities most affected by opioid addiction. Charles Maasz, CEO of Glasgow City Mission, a charity supporting individuals dealing with homelessness and substance abuse, expressed his support for the initiative: “The opioid crisis is a daily reality for many in Glasgow. Any new approach that helps prevent addiction and reduces the harm caused by opioids is greatly welcomed. We are proud to be part of this research and look forward to contributing to its success.”
With millions of lives impacted by opioid addiction, this project represents a crucial step toward safer pain management solutions. By understanding and targeting addiction mechanisms in the brain, researchers hope to provide a new pathway for opioid treatment—one that prioritises both patient safety and effective pain relief.