Creating a new technology to quickly identify dangerous drugs.
Official title: Development and validation of a novel point-of-care technology for rapid non-targeted identification of emerging opioid and other drug threats
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10932243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use tool that can quickly and accurately detect dangerous drugs like fentanyl in street drugs, helping people know what they're taking and reducing the risk of overdose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $618,092 |
| NIH project number | 5UG1DA059406-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who use or are at risk of using unregulated drugs, particularly those in areas heavily affected by the opioid crisis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use drugs or are not at risk of exposure to unregulated substances may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel point-of-care technology that can rapidly and accurately identify emerging drug threats, particularly high-potency opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil, in unregulated street drug markets. The approach aims to enhance drug checking services, which provide critical information about the composition of drugs, thereby helping to prevent overdose deaths. By overcoming current technological and logistical barriers, this research seeks to make drug checking more accessible and effective for individuals at risk of overdose.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce overdose deaths by providing timely information about the presence of dangerous substances in street drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing drug checking technologies, but this specific approach aims to address existing barriers and enhance effectiveness, making it a novel endeavor.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Werb, Daniel M — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Werb, Daniel M
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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.