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““What we found through our studies in mice was that the 7-OH metabolite was responsible for inducing most of the pain relief the mice experienced,” said Majumdar. “Through our research, we discovered that the opioid pharmacology of mitragynine is complicated by the role of 7-OH in mediating its activity. In mouse and human liver preparations, the analgesic effects of mitragynine are actually dependent on 7-OH as a metabolic mechanism.” – Dr. Susruta Majumdar, PhD

“I like to call it the forgotten phase of addiction. I look at the negative effects of relapse and examine what physiological and behavioral changes are happening to drive relapse. I’m also looking at whether less severe withdrawal can prevent relapse. My hope is that if scientists thoroughly understand the neurological effects of withdrawal, they can develop better treatments to help those who are addicted to opioids fully recover from their disease.” – Dr. Ream Al-Hasani, Ph.D.

Center faculty and research students attended the symposium to present their recent findings in the lab. Their posters and podium presentations highlighted the research projects carried out during the 2018-2019 academic year.

Welcome Makenzie, McKenna & Marwa!

Center faculty sponsored Kia Barclay, undergraduate student at Wellesley College, this summer for the Washington University in St. Louis Neuroscience Pipeline Program. Ms. Barclay received the 2018 Amgen and BP-ENDURE Fellowship Writing Competition at the program’s goodbye lunch earlier today.

The United States is in the grip of an epidemic. Opioid drugs are powerful pain-relieving medications, but come with a high risk of addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from opioid overdoses, and that figure is rising. Dr. Majumdar and colleagues are working to combat the epidemic, but perhaps the frontline science is chemistry.

Dr. Karen Seibert, Ph.D., founding director since May 2016, has been appointed the Executive Director of the Center.

Dr. McCall receives the 2018 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award.

The Center for Clinical Pharmacology Summer Research Scholar (SRS) program introduces STLCOP students to research in pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and neuroscience under the guidance of Center faculty mentors.