Virtual reality, wearables and AI research trials in Scotland are to be funded through a UK Government innovation scheme to cut drug deaths.
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 eight organisations in the UK.
A number of them will be located in Scotland, which has the highest drug deaths rate in Europe.
NOMW Health, in collaboration with Greater Glasgow and Clyde Innovation Hub and the University of Southampton, will develop LifeSavr, a wearable designed to address the opioid overdose crisis.
The Scotland-based team is now advancing the development of the platform to prepare it for consumer availability in the UK, Europe, and globally.
LifeSavr features monitoring of oxygen saturation, heart rate, body movements and respiratory rate for accurate overdose detection. It is based on NASA research and uses a self-contained design that eliminates the need for a mobile phone.
Scienap, in collaboration with ambulance services led by the Scottish Ambulance Service, has also designed a low-cost alert and responder pathway to create effective responses to potentially fatal overdose events. The project includes a new Alert App for self-monitoring by drug users, automatically raising an alarm if they become unresponsive.
And the University of Glasgow presents a significant advancement in wearable sensor technology for detecting and preventing overdoses. The soft sensor, designed for seamless body integration, provides real-time respiratory monitoring to identify early signs of overdose episodes.
Another is a wristband which monitors 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 projects are among a number UK wide that are to receive a share of a £12 million research and innovation funding pool to support people with addictions. Scotland
Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientific Advisor for Health, Scottish Government, said: “Tackling drug-related deaths is a priority for the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland and we are committed to tackling these issues through targeted research, innovation and support.
“As part of phase two of the Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Competition, funding has been awarded to develop seven prototypes aimed at reducing drug deaths.
“These innovative solutions include wearable sensors, digital monitoring and alert applications as well as novel antidote delivery systems.
“By harnessing the expertise we have in Scotland and across the rest of the UK, we can continue to develop new technologies to drive prevention initiatives.”
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.”
