Reducing serious infections and overdoses in people who inject drugs
Official title: Strategies to reduce serious bacterial infections and overdose among people who inject drugs
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10846815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to help people who inject drugs by finding out how to reduce the chances of serious infections and overdoses, so we can improve their health and safety in the long run.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 15, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $158,090 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DA051684-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and are at risk for serious bacterial infections or overdose.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not inject drugs or are not at risk for opioid-related complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates ways to lower the risk of serious bacterial infections and overdoses among individuals who inject drugs. It focuses on understanding the long-term effects of different interventions and practices related to opioid use. By using simulation modeling, the study aims to project the outcomes and costs associated with these interventions, providing insights into how to improve health outcomes for this population. The research addresses the urgent need for effective strategies in light of the growing opioid epidemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced rates of serious infections and overdoses for people who inject drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using simulation modeling to address public health issues, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barocas, Joshua Adam — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Barocas, Joshua Adam
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Host-Directed Orynotide for MDR Gram-Negative Infections
A new drug candidate called Orynotide MTD12813 is being developed to treat serious drug-resistant infections caused by bacteria like Acinetobacter and Enterobacteriaceae.
-
Genomic-informed, low-cost, portable test to rapidly identify drug-resistant bacterial infections
A portable, affordable test called BADLOCK could quickly identify bacteria and resistance genes from blood samples to help treat drug-resistant infections.
-
Novel BMX antibiotics for tough Gram-negative infections
A new class of BMX antibiotics is being developed to fight hard-to-treat Gram-negative infections like Acinetobacter baumannii in patients.
-
Center to speed up antibacterial drugs for hard-to-treat infections
A national center at Hackensack University Medical Center aims to speed up the development of new antibiotics to fight high-threat, drug-resistant bacterial infections.
-
Center accelerating antibiotic development for high-threat bacterial infections
A research center in academia–industry collaboration is speeding up the development of new antibiotics to fight highly resistant bacteria so patients have better treatment options.
-
PACC1 in the body’s defense against bacterial infections and sepsis
A study exploring how a protein called PACC1 helps immune cells fight bacteria and prevent sepsis, with potential benefits for people at risk of severe infections.
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.