Biometric wearables to predict opioid relapse
Official title: Development of a biometrics-based platform to predict relapse
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11302974 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A brief study will test a wearable-based tool to forecast relapse risk in adults with opioid use disorder to help prevent overdose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $451,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA062815-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11302974 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with opioid use disorder who are seeking treatment or in recovery and willing to use wearable biosensors.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not using opioids or not willing to wear biosensors may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses wearable biosensors and real-time data to identify patterns that might signal an upcoming relapse in adults with opioid use disorder. The team at McLean Hospital will collect physiological and behavioral signals from participants and apply secure algorithms to detect relapse risk. If successful, this approach could lead to timely alerts and interventions to prevent overdoses. The study is in early stages and focuses on translating wearable data into practical insights for people seeking treatment. Participants will be closely monitored and supported by clinicians throughout the study period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide real-time relapse warnings to help prevent overdoses and save lives.
How similar studies have gone: Wearable biosensors have shown promise in health monitoring, but this specific relapse-prediction approach in opioid use disorder is exploratory and is not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lukas, Scott E — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lukas, Scott E
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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.