Monitoring opioid use through wastewater analysis

Rapid Assessment of Illicit Drugs in Wastewater

NIH-funded research Giner, INC. · NIH-10576367

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGiner, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newton, United States)
Project IDNIH-10576367 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are communities experiencing high rates of opioid abuse and those involved in public health monitoring.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by opioid misuse or those living in areas with low opioid use may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Newton, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.