An app to help reverse opioid overdoses in Philadelphia.
Official title: UnityPhilly Response App for Overdose Reversal: Assessing Citywide Effectiveness and Sustainability
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10932109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a smartphone app called UnityPhilly that helps people quickly get naloxone to someone having an opioid overdose in Philadelphia, making it easier for the community to respond and save lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,164,507 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055851-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in Philadelphia who are at risk of opioid overdose or those who may witness an overdose incident.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in Philadelphia or are not affected by opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the UnityPhilly smartphone app, designed to connect bystanders with individuals experiencing opioid overdoses in Philadelphia. The app aims to facilitate immediate access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. By assessing the app's effectiveness and sustainability, the research seeks to enhance community response to overdose incidents, particularly in areas heavily impacted by the opioid crisis. The study will involve collaboration with community organizations to ensure the app meets the needs of users and can be effectively implemented citywide.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths in Philadelphia by improving access to life-saving interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar community-based interventions for overdose reversal, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lankenau, Stephen E — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Lankenau, Stephen E
Related research
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UnityPhilly App to Help Reversal of Overdoses in Philadelphia
A citywide smartphone app helps bystanders link with nearby people who can give naloxone during opioid overdoses in Philadelphia.
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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.