Local Startup Tackles Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

May 16, 2023

Health

Local Startup Tackles Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Arkansas Capital

Pediatrica Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical startup led by University of Arkansas graduate students, aims to serve the youngest victims of the opioid epidemic: unborn and newborn babies.

  • Born addicted: When a pregnant woman chronically uses opioids, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) can occur, causing the baby to experience symptoms of opioid withdrawal: tremors, convulsions, vomiting, and the potential for life-long neurobehavioral problems.
  • Making progress: Last month, Pediatrica took first place and received a $20,000 cash prize at the 2023 Arkansas Governor's Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition for its novel drug, developed by modifying the pharmacology of buprenorphine to serve as a fetal protectant against NOWS.

Read more about Pediatrica's work HERE.

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