NCT07693270 · University of California, San Diego
Identifying Biomarkers Related to Opioid Use and Pain Response Following Traumatic Injury and Surgery
What this study is about
The mechanisms leading to opioid tolerance or dependence are not well understood and there are currently no biomarkers for predicting who is at risk for development of OUD.
View original scientific description
The mechanisms leading to opioid tolerance or dependence are not well understood and there are currently no biomarkers for predicting who is at risk for development of OUD. The purpose of this project is to support the feasibility of detecting a miRNA bio-behavioral signature of opioid misuse risk that will demonstrate improved predictive precision compared to current tools such as polygenic risk scores (PRS). Specifically, the study will address key goals of the Wellcome Leap program to develop scalable measures assessing individual addiction susceptibility and quantifying addiction risk and progression during prescription drug use. The study will utilize behavioral, genomics, and bioinformatics pipelines to characterize opioid-induced miRNA expression dynamics among trauma and surgical patients prescribed opioids at discharge. Based on results from this study, the research will develop a high-throughput screening assay to predict risk for opioid use disorder (OUD). The hypothesis is that miRNAs will serve as powerful bio-signatures for predicting long-term clinical outcomes in patients treated with opioids for pain management following trauma injury and/or surgery.
Primary outcome measures
Persistent Opioid Use
Time frame: 3 months after trauma injury/surgery
We will collect blood from participants (about 15mL total) for DNA, miRNA, and mRNA sequencing. The blood draw for miRNA and mRNA sequencing, DNA genotyping, and bioinformatics analysis will be conducted at baseline and at subsequent in-person time points. All biospecimens will be sequenced and analyzed at UCSD's Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. We will also collect baseline demographic, clinical and social data (including social determinants of health questionnaire, electronic health record data, demographic such as age, sex). These markers will be assessed for association of persistent opioid use defined as ongoing opioid use for more than 3 months after trauma/surgical admission.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients 18 years of age or older
- Patients admitted for traumatic injury at Hillcrest or Jacobs Medical Center or patients who will undergo the orthopedic (e.g., joint, spine), abdominal, breast, vascular (e.g., amputation), or thoracic surgery.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients with a prior history of opioid use disorder or dependence
- Pregnant women
- Patients with an inability to independently provide informed consent to participate in the study due to lack of capacity. This lack of capacity can be from either a chronic/continuous condition (i.e. dementia), or can be temporary (i.e. clear signs of intoxication at the time of the visit (not alert or oriented, slurring words \[and confirmed not to be baseline\], unsteady gait \[and confirmed not to be baseline\], or appears impaired based on clinical judgement by PI/Co-I)).
Where
- La Jolla, California
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations