Synthetic heroin: understanding the dangers of nitazene drugs

Project Code

MRCNMH25Ba Bailey

Research Theme

Neuroscience and Mental Health

Project Summary Download

Summary

“Drug-related deaths are now at the highest ever recorded in the UK, the majority involving opioid drugs. Recently, a new class of synthetic opioids known as ‘nitazenes’ are being sold on the street and have already been the cause of several deaths. Yet, the pharmacology of nitazenes is poorly understood. Using a combination of electrophysiology, in vitro and in silico assays, and rodent behaviour, the student on this project will investigate the neuropharmacology of nitazenes, how they cause harm, and design ways by which their harm can be reduced.”

Lead Supervisor

Dr Chris Bailey

Lead Supervisor Email

cb304@bath.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Bath