HEALTHCARE
How Experimental Drugs Can Curb Opioid Abuse and More
Rowan researchers awarded 13 NJ Health Foundation grants .
By John Joseph Parker Contributing Editor
Preclinical studies on how experimental drugs reduce opioid abuse , multiple studies of new cancer treatments and the testing of antiviral medications are just a few of the 13 projects for which Rowan University researchers were awarded grants this spring from New Jersey Health Foundation ( NJHF ).
Each year , NJHF awards grants to advance health research and innovation at New Jersey organizations . In 2022 , Rowan researchers received more than $ 433,000 in the form of research and community health grants from NJHF .
Dr . Daniel Manvich , assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine , is using his $ 34,878 grant to learn how an experimental class of drugs reduces the rewarding effects of opioids .
Opioids affect the brain in part by increasing levels of dopamine , a neurotransmitter involved in the brain ’ s rewards systems . Dopamine binds to five proteins called dopamine receptors . In preclinical testing , experimental compounds that selectively targeted D3 receptors blocked abuse-related effects of opioids .
“ We know that D3 receptors are important for these drugs ’ effects , but what we don ’ t know , from a neuropharmacological or neurobiological perspective , are the precise mechanisms by which these drugs are reducing the impact of opioids ,” said Manvich . “ There ’ s value to figuring out how these drugs are working to achieve their therapeutic effects , because that can help us develop more effective and selective medications to bring to clinical trials .”
With the NJHF grant , Manvich can now start unraveling these mechanisms by using a relatively new technique called in vivo fiber photometry , which makes use of biosensors that can program dopamine neurons to emit fluorescent light when they are activated .
“ This grant from New Jersey Health Foundation gives us an opportunity to get brand-new equipment up and running at Rowan ,” Manvich said , thus enabling him to apply for more extensive funding from the National Institutes of Health for the next phase of his research .
“ We are proud to continue to support the valuable research and innovation of scientists and others throughout our state ,” explained George F . Heinrich , M . D ., vice chair and CEO of New Jersey Health Foundation . “ We are energized by the potentially breakthrough science being performed at this outstanding organization .”
Other Rowan faculty with new NJHF funding include :
◾ Dr . Claude Krummenacher , Molecular & Cellular Biosciences and Biological Sciences , for research in the development of broad-spectrum antiviral compounds against coronaviruses and herpes viruses ;
◾ Dr . Ping Lu , Chemistry & Biochemistry , for research into a delivery system for a widely used anti-cancer drug that uses 3D scaffolds made from nanofibers ;
◾ Dr . Gary L . Thompson , Chemical Engineering , for research in the uses of precisely tuned electrical treatments to inhibit the migration and metastasis of cells of a brain tumor type that ’ s particularly difficult to treat ;
◾ Dr . Randy Strich , Molecular Biology , for the analysis of drug concentrations and
combinations used in animal studies of a new anti-cancer drug regimen for pancreatic adenocarcinoma tumors ;
◾ Dr . Jeremy Francis , Cell Biology & Neuroscience , for research in metabolic risk factors in age-related dementia ;
◾ Dr . Rachel Riley , Biomedical Engineering , for research in engineering lipid nanoparticles as a novel approach for treating preeclampsia ;
◾ Dr . Rashanique Quarels , Chemistry & Biochemistry , for research in developing a flexible platform for the synthesis of antibiotics vancomycin and related glycopeptides ;
◾ Dr . Katrina Cooper , Molecular Biology , for research in the role of the protein Cyclin C in disorders involving structural abnormalities of the TDP-43 protein ;
◾ Dr . Mitja Trkov , Mechanical Engineering , for research in the use of a soft robotic instrumented pad to prevent pressure injuries among bed-bound patients and wheelchair users ;
◾ Dr . Behrad Koohbor , Mechanical Engineering , for research in the correlations between the mechanical properties of orthopedic shoe midsoles and user performance ;
◾ Dr . Christina Simmons , Psychology , for the development and testing of virtual reality physician training on compassionate treatment of patients with autism ; and
◾ Lisa Bodenheimer , New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging , to train facilitators in advanced-care planning for state-funded programs and senior congregate housing sites .
Rowan University
Photo : Rowan University
Biomedical research at Rowan University
Photo : Rowan University
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