OpiAID Brings New Tech To Help 'Neighbors' Caught Up In Opioid Crisis

By Jim Shamp

David Reeser, founder of OpiAID, has turned personal experiences with addiction’s impact into an innovative approach to combat the opioid epidemic. Based in Wilmington, NC, OpiAID provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) centers with real-time data from wearable devices, enabling personalized care to prevent relapses and overdoses. The company emphasizes trust, referring to patients as “neighbors,” and uses biometrics to enhance clinician decision-making while respecting privacy.

OpiAID’s cutting-edge platform is gaining traction through strategic partnerships and funding. A $150,000 Small Business Research Loan from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in 2024 is aiding its deployment. A pilot study with Bicycle Health, the nation’s largest virtual opioid addiction treatment provider, explores how OpiAID’s wearable devices can enhance patient outcomes during critical early treatment phases. These initiatives aim to address systemic gaps, as 89% of opioid users lack treatment and two-thirds of those receiving care drop out within six months.

The technology’s adaptability extends to remote areas like Alaska, where clinician shortages hinder care. Locally, a partnership with Coastal Horizons will distribute 750 devices, with plans for further expansion. The staggering statistics underscore the urgency of OpiAID’s mission: 112,000 U.S. overdose deaths occurred in 2023, with opioids involved in nearly 75% of drug-related fatalities.

Reeser’s entrepreneurial journey, backed by grants and FDA clearance pursuits, showcases the transformative potential of integrating technology with addiction therapy, offering purpose and hope to those in need.