Understanding the impact of xylazine in opioid use
Official title: Community-informed approaches to the escalating presence of xylazine in opioids
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-10831095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the animal tranquilizer xylazine is showing up in opioids that people get from unregulated sources, and it aims to understand how this affects safety and overdose risks, all while working closely with communities to find better ways to keep everyone safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $236,907 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA058582-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831095 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use opioids from unregulated sources and are at risk of exposure to xylazine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or are not affected by the presence of xylazine in their drug supply may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the increasing presence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, in opioids among people who use opioids from unregulated markets. It aims to understand how xylazine affects the potency and risks associated with opioid use, including overdose and severe health complications. The study will involve community-informed approaches to develop effective public health responses to mitigate the risks associated with xylazine. By engaging with affected communities, the research seeks to gather insights and feedback that can inform prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies that reduce the risks of overdose and other health complications for opioid users.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on xylazine is relatively novel, there have been successful public health interventions addressing similar issues of adulterants in drug supplies.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reed, Megan — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Reed, Megan
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.