Understanding the health impact of xylazine and its effects on patients
Official title: Community and big-data system approaches to identifying and understanding the health impact of xylazine
Funded at Brown University · NIH-10996326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how xylazine, a sedative used for animals, affects people who use drugs, and it aims to find better ways to spot and treat issues related to its use, so we can help those who might be struggling with its effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA061593-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996326 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 18 years old who have been exposed to xylazine or are experiencing related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to xylazine or are not affected by its health impacts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health effects of xylazine, a veterinary sedative that has become a significant concern in the opioid crisis. It aims to identify patients exposed to xylazine through interviews with individuals who use drugs and to develop a natural language processing algorithm for better detection and treatment. By gathering qualitative data on overdose experiences, skin wounds, and withdrawal symptoms, the study seeks to improve clinical practices and patient outcomes related to xylazine exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and treatment strategies for patients affected by xylazine exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using natural language processing for patient identification is innovative, similar qualitative research has shown promise in understanding drug-related health impacts.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelly, Patrick John — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Kelly, Patrick John
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.