Understanding the risks and prevalence of xylazine use among people who inject drugs
Official title: Rapid Research for Xylazine Response
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10929552 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the dangers of xylazine, a drug that can make fentanyl overdoses even more risky, and it’s for people who use drugs and healthcare providers in Baltimore to help understand how often xylazine is used and the serious health problems it can cause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $122,813 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA060056-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929552 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and may be using xylazine or are at risk of exposure to it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use drugs or are not involved in drug injection practices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the growing threat of xylazine, a non-opioid drug that, when mixed with fentanyl, increases the risk of overdose. It aims to gather critical data on the prevalence of xylazine use and the associated risk factors, particularly focusing on the severe wounds and health complications that arise from its use. By employing a mixed methods approach, the study will survey approximately 300 individuals who inject drugs in Baltimore and conduct qualitative interviews with both users and healthcare providers. The findings will help inform harm reduction practices and raise awareness about the dangers of xylazine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved harm reduction strategies and better health outcomes for individuals affected by xylazine use.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on xylazine, similar epidemiological studies on drug use and harm reduction have shown success in informing public health strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: German, Danielle — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: German, Danielle
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.