A wearable device to monitor breathing and prevent opioid-related breathing problems.
Official title: Wearable Wireless Respiratory Monitoring System that Detects and Predicts Opioid Induced Respiratory Depression
Funded at Rtm Vital Signs, LLC · NIH-11146916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new wearable device that helps keep an eye on your breathing and oxygen levels if you're using opioids, so it can alert you and your doctors if there's a risk of breathing problems, making it safer for patients in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rtm Vital Signs, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,276,940 |
| NIH project number | 4R44DA059491-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11146916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include hospitalized patients who are being treated with opioids and are at risk for respiratory depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using opioids or those who are not hospitalized may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wearable, wireless respiratory monitoring system designed to detect and predict opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD). The device uses an acoustic sensor to continuously measure various respiratory parameters, including breathing rate and oxygen levels, and calculates a Risk Index Score every 20 seconds. By providing real-time alerts, the system aims to prevent severe respiratory issues and improve patient safety, particularly for those receiving opioid medications in hospitals. The technology has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, highlighting its potential to address a critical healthcare need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of opioid-related respiratory depression and improve patient outcomes in hospitals.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing wearable monitoring technologies for respiratory issues, but this specific approach targeting opioid-induced respiratory depression is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rtm Vital Signs, LLC
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dicciani, Nance Katherine — Rtm Vital Signs, LLC
- Study coordinator: Dicciani, Nance Katherine
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.