Latest news with #OUD
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts Announces New Funding Opportunity for Community-Based Organizations Addressing Opioid Use Disorder
New York, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) is announcing a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to support community-based organizations (CBOs) working to reduce opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose mortality in local communities. FORE will hold an informational webinar on June 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET to discuss the RFP and answer questions. Interested organizations can . This RFP expands FORE's Community-Driven Responses to OUD and Overdose Mortality Program, providing new funding to help CBOs: Enhance operational effectiveness, including administration, finance, human resources, and technology, to strengthen long-term sustainability and diversify funding. Improve communications to raise awareness and attract attention and resources. Strengthen and evaluate programming to expand access to evidence-based OUD services for individuals and families. Foster cross-sector collaborations with partners in education, business, courts, and healthcare to deepen community engagement and expand services. FORE invites eligible organizations to apply for up to $75,000 per year for two years (up to $150,000 total). Applicants must be a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, have been in operation for at least two years, and have an annual operating budget between $150,000 and $7 million. Complete details and application instructions are available on FORE's Grants & Funding page. Applications must be submitted through FORE's grants management system by 11:59 p.m. PT on July 2, 2025. 'Community-based organizations are uniquely positioned to identify and respond to local needs, yet they often face barriers to securing the flexible funding they need to strengthen operations and sustain programming,' said Dr. Karen Scott, President of FORE. 'By supporting their capacity, we help ensure communities have access to effective prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services tailored to their needs.' Since 2023, FORE has supported 22 community-based organizations through capacity-building grants and remains committed to advancing community-driven, evidence-based solutions to the opioid crisis. About FOREFounded in 2018, FORE is a national 501(c)(3) grant-making foundation dedicated to addressing the nation's opioid crisis. Through strategic grantmaking, convening stakeholders, and developing informational resources, FORE supports patient-centered, innovative solutions that drive long-term change. To date, FORE has awarded 118 grants totaling $47.5 million to 101 organizations. Follow us on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn for updates. CONTACT: Myrna Manners Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts 718-986-7255 mmanners@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Berkshire Biomedical Awarded NIH Research Grant to Support Clinical Study Program to Evaluate Patient Retention and Other Benefits of the COPA™ System for Take-Home Methadone Medication Management
Funds from the Two-Phase Fast-Track SBIR Grant, Combined, Would Total Approximately $2.9 Million DALLAS, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkshire Biomedical Corporation ("Berkshire" or "the Company"), focused on developing its proprietary drug dispensing technology to enhance patient wellness, today announced that it has been awarded the first phase of a two-phase Fast-Track Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant (1 R44DA061908-01A1) from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). Valued at approximately $2.9 million over 30 months, the two-phase grant will support execution of a clinical study to evaluate patient retention and other benefits of the Company's COPA™ System for Take-Home Methadone Medication Management as part of Medication for Opioid User Disorder (MOUD) treatment. Phase I funds of approximately $326,400 will support the execution of a single-site study. Receipt of the approximate $2.55 million Phase II award will support the execution of an open-label, randomized, parallel multi-site study, which will be contingent on an assessment of the Phase I report, as well as the review and approval of any other documentation necessary for continuation and availability of NIH funds. COPA is a novel, oral liquid dispensing system specifically designed to deliver accurate and precise doses of controlled and non-controlled prescription medications to only an Authenticated Intended User (AIU™), upon confirmation of dual biometric identifications (fingerprint and dentition) prior to each dose, with the goal of enhancing patient wellness and providing remote monitoring. "The Fast-Track SBIR grant process is highly competitive, with only 18% of applicants having been chosen under this program in 2023, alone," stated John Timberlake, Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire. This is Berkshire's second Fast-Track SBIR Grant from NIH. The Company received an initial two-phased award totaling $2.2 million (1R44DA057185) in 2022 which extended through 2024, to complete the development of the COPA system. Berkshire's receipt of this newest award reflects the NIH's continued belief in the strength of the technology behind COPA and its potential to significantly increase access to Opioid Treatment Programs for persons suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) by dramatically increasing the number of persons being allowed to utilize take home therapy." Mr. Timberlake continued, "The requirement to travel to an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) clinic, daily, has been shown to reduce treatment retention and deter some patients from even starting treatment. A mixed methods study found that take-home dose flexibility among stable patients was associated with receiving more take homes, higher rates of treatment retention, and lower rates of opioid-positive drug tests. Higher retention rates in opioid use disorder medication among patients with OUD were, therefore, associated with better outcomes. There have been a considerable number of retrospective studies evaluating opioid use disorder treatment retention; however, there are very few prospective comparison studies." About the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)NIDA is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world's research on the health aspects of drug use and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy, improve practice, and advance addiction science. For more information about NIDA and its programs, visit About the National Institutes of Health (NIH)NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit About Berkshire Biomedical Corporation Berkshire Biomedical Corporation is a privately held medical device company. Berkshire is pioneering the use of biometric technologies, combined with encrypted HIPAA compliant cloud-based and healthcare provider-enabled remote management systems, to provide precise and accurate personalized medication delivery to only the Authenticated Intended User (AIU). The Company's lead product under development, the Computerized Oral Prescription Administration System (COPA), is a hand-held, automated, personalized oral liquid dispensing system designed and intended to deliver controlled and non-controlled liquid oral medications to only the AIU upon confirmation of dual biometric identification (fingerprint and dentition). Upon receiving regulatory authorization, the Company intends to initially seek opportunities to leverage COPA in the delivery and remote management of oral liquid medication methadone, for Medication Use for Opioid Use Disorder treatment and subsequently for the delivery of controlled medications for the treatment of pain, as those patients have the greatest need for the benefits of COPA's features. In addition, the Company will look to expand COPA use in broader drug therapeutic categories, clinical applications, and businesses that manage the commercialization and data analytics provided by electronic devices to improve outcomes and reduce risk. Additional information about Berkshire Biomedical and the COPA System can be found at The COPA™ System is currently under development, has NOT been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is not available for commercial sale. Disclaimer: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers R44DA057185 and R44DA061908-01A1. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. CONTACT: Berkshire Biomedical Corporationinfo@ Melody CareyFounder, President, and CEORx Communications Group, LLCmcarey@ View original content: SOURCE Berkshire Biomedical Corporation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
28-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
What opioid addiction costs Arkansas
Opioid abuse is as much an economic problem as a public health one, according to a comprehensive analysis from Avalere provided to Axios. Why it matters: The total average annual cost to Arkansas for each case is $551,000. The big picture: The cost burden falls unevenly, with states in a belt stretching through Appalachia to New England typically having bigger caseloads and a higher cost per case. Opioid use disorder cost the U.S. an estimated $4 trillion last year, per the analysis, which used 2017 figures to project 2024 net costs. "While this is a cost to government, it's also a cost to private businesses, and the huge cost, of course, is to the individuals who have OUD," said Margaret Scott, a principal at Avalere and author of the report. By the numbers: The projected cost of opioid use disorder in 2024 ranged from $419,527 per case in Idaho to more than $2.4 million in D.C. That covers lost productivity, health insurance costs, property lost to crime and other variables. The cost per case totaled more than $1 million in West Virginia, Rhode Island, Ohio and Maryland. Some of the regional variation in costs is from lost tax revenue, which varies by state. The local availability of treatment for opioid use disorder may also drive the cost, Scott said. Zoom in: Overdose deaths from all drugs in Arkansas dropped 26% in 2024, according to CDC data. In 2023, Arkansas Children's Hospital announced a $70 million National Center for Opioid Research and Clinical Effectiveness to be established in Little Rock with $50 million coming from opioid settlement money. State of play: Opioid use disorder — defined as frequent opioid use and unsuccessful efforts to quit — is estimated to affect more than 6 million people in the United States. The cumulative economic burden on patients, including years of life lost and reduced quality of life, exceeded $3 trillion in 2024, Avalere estimated. Private businesses absorbed more than $467 billion in costs from lost productivity and health insurance costs while the federal government bore about $118 billion in Medicare and other federal insurance costs, lost taxes and criminal justice expenses. It cost state and local governments more than $94 billion, with about $42 billion of that going toward criminal justice costs. The Trump administration in March released its own analysis that estimated illicit opioids cost the U.S. about $2.7 trillion in 2023. Treatment can defray the costs by more than 40% in some instances, the analysis found. Behavioral therapy alongside long-acting injectable buprenorphine — a treatment that reduces the risk of future overdoses — generated an estimated $295,000 savings per case, the biggest cost-saver of the options Avalere analyzed. Therapy plus methadone and therapy plus buprenorphine administered through mucous membranes like the mouth each save about $271,000. Behavioral therapy alone saves a project $144,000 per case.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Indivior Announces Patrick Barry as Chief Commercial Officer
Seasoned commercial executive with more than 30 years of pharmaceutical experience RICHMOND, Va., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Indivior PLC (Nasdaq/LSE: INDV) today announced the appointment of Patrick Barry as Chief Commercial Officer, effective June 2. In this role, Barry will lead the company's commercial growth strategy, execution, and operations as Indivior continues its mission to transform the treatment of opioid use disorder led by SUBLOCADE® (buprenorphine extended-release) Injection. Barry will join Indivior's executive committee. 'Patrick is an accomplished and respected commercial leader whose strong track record driving growth in branded medicines make him an excellent addition to the executive team,' said Joe Ciaffoni, Chief Executive Officer. 'Patrick's breadth and depth of commercial experience will be instrumental in delivering on the Company's potential.' Barry has more than 30 years of commercial leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He brings a track record of building and transforming high-performing commercial organizations to deliver sustained revenue growth across multiple product portfolios. Prior to joining Indivior, Barry served since 2020 as executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Endo Pharmaceuticals. In this role he led all commercial activities across three U.S. business segments, including branded pharmaceuticals and a Canadian affiliate with full responsibility for approximately $2 billion in revenue. 'I am honored to join Indivior at such a pivotal time for the company,' said Barry. 'Indivior has built a strong foundation and is well-positioned to broaden its leadership position in opioid use disorder. I look forward to working with the team to grow SUBLOCADE and maximize the potential of the Indivior portfolio.' Prior to Endo, Barry spent over two decades at Sanofi with increasing levels of responsibility over a range of senior leadership positions, spanning specialty pharmaceuticals, injectables, medical aesthetics, and branded medicines, with demonstrated success in turnaround scenarios, product launches, and market development. Barry holds an MBA from Cornell University and a bachelor's degree in public relations and marketing from McKendree University. About Indivior Indivior is a global pharmaceutical company working to help change patients' lives by developing medicines to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Our vision is that all patients around the world will have access to evidence-based treatment for OUD and we are dedicated to transforming OUD from a global human crisis to a recognized and treated chronic disease. Building on its global portfolio of OUD treatments, Indivior has a pipeline of product candidates designed to expand on its heritage in this category. Headquartered in the United States in Richmond, VA, Indivior employs over 1,000 individuals globally and its portfolio of products is available in over 30 countries worldwide. Visit to learn more. Connect with Indivior on LinkedIn by visiting View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Indivior PLC
Axios
21-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Exclusive: Opioid crisis cost Massachusetts $145 billion last year, report says
The opioid epidemic cost Massachusetts nearly $145 billion in 2024, according to new research from Avalere Health. The big picture: The Washington-based health care consulting firm's research examines the economic toll of the epidemic that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in Massachusetts. The estimated national cost reached nearly $4 trillion in 2024, per Avalere's estimates provided to Axios exclusively. Threat level: While opioid-related overdose deaths have declined in recent years, Massachusetts is one of the states where opioid use disorder is most prevalent. OUD affects more than 2.5% of the population, similar to in New Hampshire, Nevada and Kentucky. Wyoming, Hawaii, Washington, D.C. and Minnesota had the lowest rates, falling below 1%. In terms of cost, Massachusetts' estimated $145-billion loss was one of the highest in the nation in 2024, per Avalere's estimates. How it works: Avalere determined the financial burden of OUD by analyzing relevant healthcare expenses, lost wages and work productivity, lost tax revenue, police and court costs and other factors. By the numbers: Opioid use disorder cost patients alone an estimated $111 billion in terms of reduced quality of life and life lost overall. Individuals and households faced a collective $9.2 billion loss last year in lost wages and other expenses, per Avalere's estimates. Avalere also estimated major hits to businesses ($17.5 billion), the federal government ($4.3 billion) and state and local governments ($3.4 billion). Police, court and correctional expenses related to people with OUD accounted for 40% of state and local government costs, per Avalere. Avalere also estimated cost savings from using medication and behavioral therapy to treat OUD.
