An automated system for dispensing methadone at home.
Official title: COPA, an Automated Medication Dispensing and Remote Management System for at Home Methadone Dispensing
Funded at Berkshire Biomedical Corporation · NIH-10746866 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new device called COPA that helps safely give liquid methadone to people with opioid use disorder, making it easier for them to get their medication, especially during times when clinics might be hard to reach.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Berkshire Biomedical Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $221,860 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DA057185-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10746866 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who require methadone maintenance treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with opioid use disorder or those who do not require methadone treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing the Computerized Oral Prescription Administration System (COPA), an automated device designed to dispense liquid medications, specifically methadone, for patients with opioid use disorder. The device ensures safe delivery through dual biometric verification, confirming the patient's identity via fingerprint and dentition. This innovation aims to improve access to methadone maintenance treatment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional treatment facilities may be less accessible. The project includes designing, engineering, and testing the device before seeking FDA approval.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance access to methadone treatment for patients struggling with opioid use disorder, improving their health and social productivity.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using automated systems for medication dispensing is gaining traction, this specific application for methadone maintenance treatment is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
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Berkshire Biomedical Corporation
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Timberlake, John — Berkshire Biomedical Corporation
- Study coordinator: Timberlake, John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Evaluating a new device for managing take-home methadone for opioid use disorder patients.
This study is testing a handy device that gives personalized doses of methadone to help people with opioid use disorder manage their medication at home, making it easier for them to stick to their treatment and improve their quality of life.
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Automated system for dispensing methadone at home
This study is testing a new home medication dispenser called COPA that helps make sure patients get their methadone and other oral medications safely and easily, using fingerprint and dental recognition to confirm their identity.
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.