Benefit
  • First-in-class, non-opioid mechanism targeting addiction-related neuroplasticity
  • Reduces relapse behavior across multiple opioids in validated preclinical models

  • Accelerated development potential through drug repurposing

     

Technology Description

Opioid use disorder (OUD) remains a major public health challenge, with high relapse rates despite available treatments. Current FDA-approved medications primarily act on opioid receptors to manage withdrawal and cravings but do not address the long-term brain changes that drive drug-seeking behavior and relapse.

Researchers led by Dr. John Wemmie at the University of Iowa have identified a new, non-opioid approach to preventing opioid addiction and relapse by targeting carbonic anhydrase 4 (CA4), a protein that regulates neuronal signaling in reward-related brain circuits. Using the FDA-approved drug acetazolamide (AZD) to inhibit CA4 reduced withdrawal-associated synaptic strengthening and significantly decreased drug-seeking behavior. Efficacy has been demonstrated across multiple opioids, including oxycodone, heroin, and morphine. The potential for rapid repurposing of AZD offers a promising new avenue for preventing and treating OUD.

UIRF Case No. 2025-040

 

Stage of Development

Proof-of-concept demonstrated in mouse models of opioid withdrawal and relapse.

 

IP Status: Patent Pending: Patent pending

 

Lead Researcher(s)
To learn more about this technology, please contact Abbey Schnell