The government will fund research into wearable technology, virtual reality and artificial intelligence in a bid to support people with drug addictions.
The government has awarded £12 million to projects across the UK that are researching innovative technology to support people with addictions. One of the chosen projects, called PneumoWave ALERT, pairs a chest-worn sensor that monitors breathing to a mobile device that sends out an immediate alert to nearby antidote carriers and emergency services if an overdose is detected, helping people get potentially life-saving treatment as soon as possible.
Another study will look at using virtual reality to help people overcome their triggers for cocaine addiction. People will be assessed using watch-like devices to determine which cues in their environment lead to a drug craving, by measuring physical changes to the body.
Virtual reality will then be used to create realistic situations to repeatedly expose people to triggers in a safe environment. Previous research shows cue exposure treatment (CET) can significantly reduce the level of craving and relapse among alcoholics, but it has not yet been fully explored for people experiencing a cocaine addiction until now.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: "Drug addiction devastates lives and rips apart families, and this government is committed to gripping this problem. We’re determined to harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology to save thousands of lives across the country. I want the UK to lead the way in championing innovation to end the harmful effects of addiction."
The research is being funded through the Addiction Healthcare Goals programme, which is run by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS). Around £12 million has been awarded to 11 projects across 8 organisations in the UK. The projects were selected as part of the Reducing Drug Deaths Challenge and the NIHR i4i Addiction: Innovation for Treatment and Recovery Awards, which are being run in partnership with the Scottish Government and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The funding will also support research to improve the accessibility of the life-saving drug naloxone. Naloxone rapidly reverses heroin and opioid overdose but is typically available as an injection or nasal spray, which have limitations and cannot always be used in time. King’s College London is looking into naloxone wafers which melt in the mouth and provide rapid access to this emergency medicine and can fit easily in a wallet or purse. Several of the projects are based in Scotland, which has the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe.
These include a wristband to monitor vital signs such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate and body temperature. If an overdose is suspected, the device, named ‘Saving Sam’, will send out an alert to a trusted contact. This research is being run by the University of Edinburgh and NHS Fife.
The technology being researched could be rolled out to more sites across the UK if successful. The projects support the government’s health mission - building an NHS fit for the future - by helping to embed a greater focus on prevention and supporting services.
It also helps establish the UK as a global leader for innovative treatments and technologies, supporting the UK’s growth mission - for sustained economic growth, good jobs and increased productivity across the country - by inspiring healthcare companies to invest in the UK, while supporting people back into stable work.
Science Minister Lord Vallance said: "The UK’s life sciences sector plays a critical role in finding new ways to tackle the biggest challenges facing healthcare, including the devastating impact of addiction. The Addiction Healthcare Goals programme is testament to our commitment to bringing together researchers, clinicians and innovators to create real change.
"From wearable technology to AI-powered tools, these innovative projects highlight the power of collaboration in delivering life-saving treatments. By investing in these partnerships, we are tackling addiction head on and ensuring that cutting-edge science reaches those who need it most, improving public health across the UK."
