Grants offered for technologies dealing with youth substance

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WASHINGTON (June 18, 2024) – The Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation (APDI), a nonprofit consortium led by Children’s National Hospital and funded by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA), today announced a grant opportunity for pediatric medical devices that improve monitoring, diagnosis or treatment of youth suffering from substance use and dependence disorders. Grants of up to $50,000 each are available for pediatric-specific solutions selected by a panel of experts from submitted proposals. Up to $150,000 in grants can be distributed through this program.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that more than 3.6 million American youth ages 12 to 17 used illicit drugs in 2022. During the same period, an average of 22 youth ages 12 to 18 died every week from an overdose. These teens often did not have the expected warning signs before an overdose, such as problems with alcohol, drugs, or previous drug treatment. Among teens and preteens who fatally overdosed, only 1 in 10 had a history of treatment for a substance use problem, and only 1 in 7 had ever experienced a nonfatal overdose.

“Tragically, drug overdoses are now the third leading cause of death among adolescents, and to improve outcomes, we need medical technologies specifically designed for young people,” says Kolaleh Eskandanian, Ph.D., MBA, vice-president. president and chief innovation officer. officer of Children’s National and Senior Researcher and Program Director of APDI. “Teens and tweens are very enthusiastic users of technology. We believe now is the time to implement new health technology solutions that can save lives and improve the health of our young people.

APDI’s call for proposals coincides with last month’s approval by the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse (NACDA) of the concept “Promoting the Development of Medical Devices for Youth Affected by Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse,” which outlines potential funding opportunities. In anticipation of future federal funding for the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), APDI is providing early support by identifying potential innovations. Along with APDI grants, the consortium provides awardees with support services in all phases of the medical device product life cycle, including facilitating access to NIDA technical assistance.

Dr. Eskandanian described the types of pediatric innovations the grant seeks to attract, which align with the priorities listed by NACDA. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Artificial intelligence-based algorithms that collect, integrate, analyze and visualize various types of data related to the diagnosis or treatment of youth drug abuse and dependence.
• Standalone or complementary digital therapy focused on behavioral health interventions to diagnose, treat, prevent, and mitigate drug abuse and dependence.
• Wearable devices and connected digital therapeutics when needed to detect, diagnose and treat opioid-induced respiratory depression.
• Therapeutic devices, such as neuromodulation, intended to improve SUD treatment outcomes and prevent recurrence.

Because most medical devices are designed for adults, Dr. Eskandanian notes that this limits their use and acceptance by adolescents. She adds that existing algorithms supporting medical devices are often based on adult data and are not optimized for adolescents, limiting their usefulness.
“Our goal is to bring to market more effective pediatric medical devices to combat the alarming rate of harm that substance abuse and dependence creates for young people and their families,” says Dr. Eskandanian. “Since this is an area of ​​focus for NIDA, we see an opportunity to help create a pipeline of qualified businesses that can apply for NIDA follow-on funding.”
Interested innovators can learn more and apply for the APDI funding opportunity online at innovate4kids.org. The application deadline is July 30, 2024.

APDI is one of five nonprofit consortia in the FDA’s Pediatric Device Consortia grant program that receives funding to provide a platform of services, expertise and grants to help pediatric innovators bring devices to market medical services specifically meeting the needs of children. Along with Children’s National, APDI members include Johns Hopkins University, CIMIT at Mass General Brigham, Tufts Medical Center, MedStar Health Research Institute, MedTech Color and OrthoPediatrics Corp.

Media contact: Jhanae Kelley | [email protected] | 713.524.8170 ext. 111
Cherri Carbonara | [email protected] | 713.524.8170 ext. 114

###

About Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Children’s National Hospital, based in Washington, D.C., was established in 1870 to help every child grow stronger. Today, it is the fifth-largest children’s hospital in the nation and ranked in every specialty evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. Children’s National is transforming pediatric medicine for all children. The National Children’s Research and Innovation Campus opened in 2021, a first-of-its-kind pediatric center dedicated to developing new and better ways to care for children. Children’s National has been named a magnet three times in a row^® hospital, demonstrating the highest standards in the delivery of nursing and patient care. This pediatric academic health system provides specialty care through a convenient, community-based primary care network and specialty care sites throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including Maryland and Virginia. Children’s National is home to the National Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. He is recognized for his expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels. As a nonprofit organization, Children’s National relies on generous donors to ensure every child receives the care they need.