Using big data to improve treatment for opioid use disorder
Official title: DAT-Emulating target trials with big data to strengthen the evidence base for the clinical management of opioid use disorder
Funded at Simon Fraser University · NIH-11013298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to improve treatment for people with opioid use disorder in British Columbia by using data to find the best ways to help them, especially those who have other health issues too, so they can get the care they need and feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Simon Fraser University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burnaby, Canada) |
| Project start | March 15, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $477,770 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA050629-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder, particularly those who have experienced treatment relapses or have concurrent mental health disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with opioid use disorder or those who have not sought treatment for their addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the management of opioid use disorder (OUD) by utilizing advanced data analysis techniques to emulate target trials. It focuses on understanding the effectiveness of opioid agonist treatments and addressing barriers to care that patients face, particularly in British Columbia, Canada. By analyzing large datasets, the research aims to provide clearer evidence on the best treatment options for individuals struggling with OUD, especially those with concurrent disorders. The goal is to improve treatment uptake and retention, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with opioid use disorder, potentially reducing overdose deaths and improving recovery rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that utilizing big data and causal inference methods can effectively inform treatment strategies for addiction, suggesting a promising approach in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nosyk, Bohdan — Simon Fraser University
- Study coordinator: Nosyk, Bohdan
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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.