Automated External Respiratory Support for opioid overdose (AERS)
Official title: Transcutaneous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Treating Opioid Overdose
Funded at Coridea, LLC · NIH-11416637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A portable device idea to help people who overdose on opioids by gently stimulating the neck to keep breathing until medical help or opioids wear off.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Coridea, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,416,817 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DA058439-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk of opioid overdose or communities seeking rapid response tools in public or home settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose overdoses are rapidly treated with naloxone or where the device is not suitable due to medical contraindications may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a community-deployable AERS device that can be used by untrained bystanders to keep a person breathing during an opioid overdose. It uses small neck patches to stimulate the phrenic nerve, similar in concept to an AED. The research progresses from prototype development toward a usable device that can be activated in public settings and integrated with existing overdose response workflows. If successful, it could buy time for definitive treatment and reduce brain injury from lack of oxygen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could reduce overdose deaths and brain injuries by sustaining breathing until treatment is available.
How similar studies have gone: Previous AED-like concepts for emergency response have shown promise in increasing bystander interventions and survival.
Where this research is happening
-
Coridea, LLC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levin, Howard — Coridea, LLC
- Study coordinator: Levin, Howard
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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.