A New Rat Study Suggests There May Be a Biologic Explanation for Higher Fentanyl Mortality in Men Than in Women

Cureus. 2024 Feb 17;16(2):e54354. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54354. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Could it be possible that we should give some weight to the contribution of biological differences as contributors to the greater fentanyl mortality in males than in females? Most current explanations for a sex difference are based largely on psychosocial and other non-physiologic contributions. Our recent findings suggest a biological contribution. This could have broad implications for the interpretation and prevention of fentanyl overdose deaths.

Keywords: female; fentanyl; male; overdose; rats.

Publication types

  • Editorial

Grants and funding

Enalare Therapeutics funded the study.