Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is pleased to announce that Mercer University has been awarded $387,750 in federal funds by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through its Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs for biochemistry research that will help address the opioid epidemic and the additional complications arising from illicit contamination with fentanyl and xylazine.

“I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is supporting the amazing research being done at Mercer University,” said Congressman Bishop. “Through the tireless efforts of faculty and staff to better understand the biochemistry of illicit drugs, we can develop new ways to treat addiction and help prevent drug abuse.”

“The widespread adulteration of fentanyl with xylazine has worsened the ongoing U.S. opioid epidemic, as the addition of xylazine causes new clinical consequences, including severe skin necrosis,” said Dr. Nader H. Moniri, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research at Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Co-Principal Investigator of the study. “This NIH grant is vital for advancing the understanding of how xylazine use destroys skin tissue at a molecular level. By investigating these processes, we aim to identify pathways for developing more effective treatments and interventions.”

Xylazine is a non-opiate sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant only authorized in the United States for veterinary use according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is not currently a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the prevalence of xylazine is increasing, spreading beyond the traditional white-powder heroin markets in the northeastern United States where it has been seen for several years. 

The research supported by this grant will help better understand how xylazine affects individuals. The findings may be helpful in developing clinical treatments to counteract the negative effects seen with illicit use of the drug or substances contaminated with it.