Monitoring opioid use through wastewater analysis
Official title: Rapid Assessment of Illicit Drugs in Wastewater
Funded at Giner, INC. · NIH-10576367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a handy sensor that can quickly check for opioid traces in wastewater, helping communities understand and tackle opioid use without putting anyone on the spot.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Giner, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newton, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $893,058 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DA051105-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10576367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are communities experiencing high rates of opioid abuse and those involved in public health monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by opioid misuse or those living in areas with low opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a portable sensor that can quickly and accurately detect opioid drug metabolites in wastewater. By utilizing advanced technology, the project aims to provide real-time data on opioid use in communities, which is crucial for addressing the opioid crisis. The sensor will be cost-effective and capable of analyzing multiple substances simultaneously, offering a significant improvement over traditional laboratory methods that are slow and expensive. This approach aims to help public health officials identify areas in need of intervention without stigmatizing communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to timely interventions in communities affected by opioid misuse, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in wastewater monitoring for drug use, making this approach promising for addressing the opioid crisis.
Where this research is happening
-
Giner, INC.
Newton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Argun, Avni a — Giner, INC.
- Study coordinator: Argun, Avni a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Low-Cost Ozone Monitor for Communities Affected by Wildfires
A cheap, easy-to-use ozone monitor is being developed to help communities affected by wildfires understand and protect themselves from ozone pollution.
-
FeNO home breathalyzer to help kids manage asthma
A small, at-home FeNO monitor for children aged 6 and up to help caregivers and clinicians track airway inflammation and improve asthma control.
-
Development of a device to monitor HIV viral load and medication adherence
This study is testing a new device that helps people with HIV check their viral load and medication levels at home, making it easier for them to manage their health and share important information with their doctors.
-
Developing a tool for quick testing of oxytocin levels during childbirth
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use tool that helps doctors quickly check oxytocin levels during childbirth, making it simpler to ensure moms get the best care when they need it most.
-
Portable device for measuring arsenic exposure in people
This study is working on a handy and affordable tool that can quickly check for harmful heavy metals like arsenic in drinking water and the environment, helping health experts and researchers keep people safe.
-
Monitoring stress levels in underserved communities using wastewater analysis
This study is looking at how to measure stress in underserved communities by testing wastewater for certain markers, and it aims to create a handy sensor that helps health officials get quick information to better support these communities and improve their overall well-being.
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.