Explore cutting-edge biotech innovations – from advanced emergency alarms and sensors to gamified cessation apps and AI-driven tools, these advancements are at the forefront of substance misuse prevention, rapid response, and treatment.

Renyu Voice: Intranasal Device and Alarm

Description: An intranasal device designed to deliver nasal medication during an emergency and built in alarm to alert users and bystanders to call 911.

Status: In development

Link: Intranasal USA V5 (Renyu Voice) Video

Contact: Renyu Liu, MD, PhD, Anesthesiologist at University of Pennsylvania

Quitbet: Smoking Cessation App

Description: A gamified app that motivates smoking cessation through financial rewards and peer support. Includes daily breath tests with a free device.

Status: Clinical trials completed, seeking commercialization

Link: Quitbet

Contact: Erika Bloom, Ph.D., Lead Scientist at WayBetter

Microneedle Sensors for Fentanyl Detection

Description: Tiny needle-like sensors that detect fentanyl in blood serum at very low levels quickly and accurately, without interference from other substances.

Status: In development

Link: Microneedle Sensor Schematics

Contact: Roger Narayan, MD, PhD, Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University.

ViVE: Nose Ring Style Wearable

Description: A disposable, non-electroic nose ring style device designed to detects an opioid overdose and immediately deliver naloxone.

Status: In development

Link: Funding success for ViVE

Contact: Asher Varon, PhD Candidate at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering

Instanosis: Fentanyl & Xylanzine Diagnostics

Description: Dip stick tests to detect fentanyl or xylazine in urine in 5- minutes even at very low levels without any special tools. It’s highly sensitive and can be used at home or in the field.

Status: FDA 510(k) clearance & FDA Breakthrough Device Designation (FENTANYL test), Forensic & Harm reduction (XYLAZINE test)

Link: Instanosis

Contact: Ping Wang, PhD, Professor of Pathology at University of Pennsylvania

Recovery By Behaivior: A Recovery Toolbox

Description: A portable toolbox that supports people in mental health and addiction recovery, their care providers, and their support network uses AI behavioral health technology and wearables to predict high-risk states and provide proactive interventions. It helps individuals in recovery by collecting biometrics, offering digital interventions, and alerting care providers and support networks of potential crises.

Status: Available for Commercial Use

Link: Behaivior

Contact: Ellie Gordon, Founder and CEO of Behaivior