UAB researchers receive $5 million grant to work on fentanyl crisis

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is taking a major step in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Researchers at UAB have secured a $5.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s Drug Abuse Institute to advance crucial detection methods for fentanyl.

Advancing Life-Saving Technology

The research initiative, detailed in a recent university news release, focuses on enhancing the effectiveness and awareness of fentanyl test strips. Fentanyl remains a critical threat, as it is 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Because the substance is often secretly laced into pills, many users are unaware of the lethal risks they face.

A Six-Year Nationwide Trial

UAB researchers Karen Cropsey and Emma Kay are set to lead a comprehensive nationwide study over the next six years. Their goal is to determine whether widespread implementation of test strips can successfully reduce the frequency of fentanyl-related overdoses.

“Fentanyl test strips are a cheap and easy way to detect whether a drug has this potentially lethal substance in it, but many people don’t know they exist or how to use them effectively,” said Cropsey.

How the Process Works

The detection process involves mixing a small amount of the substance in question with water. The solution is then applied to a test strip, which delivers a simple positive or negative result.

Beyond their diagnostic capabilities, these strips serve as a vital preventative tool. According to the research announcement, these strips are more affordable than the overdose recovery drug naloxone and offer a critical opportunity to intervene before a life-threatening overdose occurs.