Wearable sensors to track medication adherence for opioid use disorder

MINDER: Wearable sensor-based detection of digital biomarkers of adherence to medications for opioid use disorder

NIH-funded research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11094048

This study is testing a new wearable device called MINDER that helps people with opioid use disorder, like those taking buprenorphine, by tracking their medication use in real-time, making it easier for them and their doctors to stay on top of their treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11094048 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a wearable sensor system called MINDER that continuously monitors physiological changes to detect adherence to medications for opioid use disorder, specifically buprenorphine. The system includes a custom upper arm band that records data, a mobile app for users, and a portal for clinicians. By utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, the MINDER system seeks to provide real-time insights into medication ingestion, overcoming limitations of current adherence tracking methods. The goal is to deploy this technology in real-world treatment settings to assess its usability and effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are prescribed buprenorphine as part of their treatment plan.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder or those not prescribed buprenorphine may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved adherence to opioid use disorder medications, reducing the risk of relapse and enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using wearable technology and AI for monitoring medication adherence, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Worcester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.