Investigating the link between Xylazine use and skin infections in people who inject drugs
Official title: Examination of Xylazine Exposure and the Risk of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in People Who Inject Drugs
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-10975748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using Xylazine might increase the chances of getting skin and soft tissue infections, and it aims to find out if clean syringes and good hygiene can help keep people safe from these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $453,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA061423-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and have been exposed to Xylazine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use Xylazine or do not inject drugs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how exposure to Xylazine, a drug increasingly used by people who inject drugs, may lead to a higher risk of skin and soft tissue infections. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind these infections, including potential allergic reactions and reduced blood flow due to Xylazine's effects. Researchers will also explore whether harm reduction strategies, like using clean syringes and maintaining good hygiene, can help protect against these infections. By analyzing data from affected individuals, the research seeks to provide insights into the health risks associated with Xylazine use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and treatment options for infections in people who inject drugs.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into drug-related infections, this specific investigation into Xylazine's effects is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shrestha, Shikhar — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Shrestha, Shikhar
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.