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Next-Generation Single-Dose Antidotes for Opioid Overdoses

Next-generation single-dose antidotes for opioid overdoses
Covalent nanoparticles (top) release naloxone (purple structures) slowly over 24 hours. Credit: Marina Kovaliov

The U.S. opioid epidemic is being driven by an unprecedented surge in deaths from fentanyl and other synthetic opiates. Fentanyl’s powerful effects are long-lasting, and even tiny amounts of the drug can lead to an overdose. Antidotes, such as naloxone, do not last long enough in the body to fully counter the drug, requiring repeated injections. Now, scientists report that they are developing single-dose, longer-lasting opioid antidotes using polymer nanoparticles.

The researchers will present their results today at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2019 National Meeting & Exposition.

“We became interested in this problem while trying to make non-addictive pa...

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