2024 August SUD Sprint Cohort

Developing and Implementing MedSMART Mobile in Emergency Departments and Pharmacies

MedSMART Mobile is a game-based educational tool that focuses on improving opioid safety awareness for families when an opioid is prescribed or dispensed.

Biography:
Dr. Olufunmilola Abraham is an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) School of Pharmacy, Social and Administrative Sciences Division. She is a NIH/UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) KL2 Scholar Dr. Abraham is also a Fellow of the UW Collaborative Center for Health Equity and the UW Morgridge Center for Public Service. She received her BPharm Degree from University of Lagos, Nigeria, and practiced as a hospital and community pharmacist in Nigeria. Dr. Abraham received her MS and PhD in Social and Administrative Pharmacy from the UW School of Pharmacy. She also received a PhD minor in Industrial and Systems Engineering from UW, focused on human factors and ergonomics and a graduate certification in patient safety.

Prior to becoming a faculty member at UW, Dr. Abraham served as a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of Pharmacy, Medicine (Departments of Pediatrics, Biomedical Informatics), Health Policy Institute, Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing (CP3), and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). Dr. Abraham’s research goal is to improve medication use for vulnerable and underserved populations such as children, young adults, women, and people living with serious chronic health conditions. Dr. Abraham has over ten years of experience in conducting research to improve pharmacy practice and quality of patient care. Her research focuses on development and dissemination of innovative interventions such as serious games to promote medication safety and adherence. Dr. Abraham uses human factors and system engineering concepts and techniques to characterize pharmacy practice and the medication use process. Dr. Abraham is the author of over 60 publications and has over 70 scientific presentations which include invited lectures, seminars, and conference presentations. She has been funded by the AcademyHealth, American Cancer Society, UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, UW Carbon Cancer Center, UW Prevention Research Center, UW Morgridge Center for Public Service, UW Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education (OVCRGE), UW Ira and Ineva Reilly Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Endowment, Robert F. and Jean E. Holtz Center, Science and Technology Studies, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pittsburgh Clinical Translational Science Institute, Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association, Community Pharmacy Foundation, and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).

Reason for participating in this course:
This program will give me the training I need to translate my current work on MedSMART Mobile into an innovation that can be widely deployed and provide the entrepreneurship skills to take this innovation to the next level.

Final Demo Day Presentation
Harnessing AI-enabled digital health technology for alternative SUD treatments

Harnessing AI-enabled digital health technology for alternative SUD treatments.

Our innovation is a decentralized application (DApp) to be used for digital information capture at the point of need in clinical trials. Our value proposition is to improve efficacy, efficiency and expand the demographic profile of trial participants, especially to previously marginalized communities.

Biography:
I am a 30+ years Management consultant and currently a financial technology startup entrepreneur. I have a doctor of jurisprudence (JD), project management professional (PMP) and certified blockchain expert (CBE) certifications. I am married and have seven children to my credit.

Reason for participating in this course:
Our goal is network, deepen knowledge about trends in the SUD space and meet potential investors in innovative solutions.

Final Demo Day Presentation
Machine Learning Applications for Opioid Addiction

AI DxTx SUD

Though I have focused on this project for the last 3 years, it is only recently that I have been able to appreciate the financial mismatch that is causing so few patients with substance use disorder (SUD) to attain treatment. Currently, Medicaid, the largest payor for SUD testing and treatment, pays about ½ of the fair market value for specialized physicians to provide high-quality care. It would be imprudent to assume that more money will flow into healthcare, but instead, understand that better use of those dollars is needed. While bringing AI into workflows is not novel and many technological components exist, they are fragmented. Now is the time to assemble a robust AI platform to diagnose and treat SUD. We are building an app that interacts directly with patients and asks relevant questions to screen them and determine their risk of developing or having the disease of addiction and patient characteristics that make them likely to be successful or resistant to readily available treatment. Before the first visit, we will intake patients’ medical information directly from them. Within this specialty, initial visits are particularly difficult as matters of childhood need to be addressed and often trauma is revealed and brings out powerful emotions. Moreover, the level of denial, the most pervasive symptom of the disease, needs to be understood and accommodated. During the first clinical visit (which will be via telemedicine) clinicians will be notified as to the responses patients struggle to provide or other indicators of trauma. Clinicians can review data of interest and educate our platform as to the fidelity of the prediction (i.e. presence of underlying trauma). Secondarily, co-occurring disorders are often overlooked. We are incorporating an open-source LLM to recognize underlying mood disorders. Clinicians will be notified of possible mood disorders and further questions will be offered to the clinicians to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. As diagnoses are made, the technology will recommend relevant and attainable care plans or options to escalate care. Furthermore, such a platform can facilitate home detox, treatment induction, and monitoring patients between visits to track compliance (attending meetings and counseling sessions versus spending time at places or with people using drugs). Lastly, such a technology is well suited for making quick adaptations to reimbursement trends and will be used for billing purposes to maintain practice viability. Taken together, more efficient workflows are generated, and better healthcare outcomes are achieved.

Biography:
After serving six years in the Marine Corps infantry and having been an entrepreneur in the construction industry, Dr. Benson returned to school and earned undergraduate and doctorate degrees in biochemistry from Louisiana State University. Subsequently, he enrolled in medical school and residency at Tulane University School of Medicine. More recently, he completed a mid-career fellowship and is boarded in addiction medicine in addition to family medicine. This journey has enabled him to quickly connect with patients and earn their trust while educating and inspiring them to improve their lives. He has treated patients as a hospitalist and in both urgent and primary care. In 2019, desperate to provide higher quality care than big-box practices allowed, he and his wife Kaley (a registered nurse) launched a concierge practice for the person (patient) of average means, with a focus on addressing true root causes (mental health and addiction), while also providing primary care. Dr. Benson prides himself on delivering care to the patient based on where their needs can be best met, including house calls and expanded hours. This year he expanded services from Louisiana to Mississippi with the aid of telemedicine. Unfortunately, there is not enough of the team to go around. It is hypothesized that technology can bring about part of the solution and Dr. Benson has the proving grounds for a pilot program. Dr. Benson considers himself to be unique from many physicians who see medicine for what it is, whereas he sees it for what it can be. As an example, at the beginning of 2020, Dr. Benson convened a team of scientists to design and build the first medical app for SARS-CoV-2. The app was free to the user and connected individuals to proper care. Twenty thousand individuals were assisted by the app and he went on to advise universities and the DoD as to how to create such a platform. Subsequently, the technology was retooled to help the first school to reopen for in-person learning in the USA. Shortly thereafter, 50 other schools across the nation licensed the software. As an addiction doctor, he knows how to treat patients and as a software developer, he knows how to deploy AI at scale up and save lives. To this end, he has been approached by a potential angel investor with a strong leadership background in technology and is in talks with scientists at Louisiana Tech University and Tulane University School of Medicine regarding potential collaborations.

Reason for participating in this course:
I’m looking for guidance as to what milestones I should achieve prior to seeking a larger health care partner. I want to clearly understand the type of organization that would be the ideal healthcare partner and I want to know how to make the argument that we are an indispensable partner for them.

Final Demo Day Presentation
Cejour: The Secure Hub for Health Data & Insights

Cejour

We are developing a platform that harnesses AI, wearable technology, and blockchain to advance the treatment of substance use disorders. By analyzing real-time data from wearable devices, the platform adjusts treatment protocols dynamically, enhancing diagnostic precision and minimizing relapse risks. Aligned with the 340B program, it extends critical treatments to underinsured communities. Our approach reinvests savings to elevate adherence and reduce healthcare expenses. Additionally, we prioritize the security of health records and consistent care across insurance changes. Using smart contracts, our platform fosters a transparent and equitable healthcare economy.

Biography:
Herbert Blassengale, JD, co-founder and CEO of Cejour, brings a varied background to his role, including expertise in IP & Info Law, Statistics, Biochemistry, and Genetics. His diverse experience includes significant public service work, such as his involvement with the Peace Corps and the USDA's SNAP program. These roles have allowed him to apply his analytical skills to federal nutrition programs and health initiatives in rural areas. Blassengale has also made scholarly contributions to fields such as machine learning and patent law, reflecting his commitment to ongoing learning and interdisciplinary engagement. As he participates in the Babson SUD Sprint program, Blassengale aims to leverage his broad expertise to tackle the challenges of substance use disorders, supporting the program's goal of developing innovative and effective healthcare solutions.

Reason for participating in this course:
The Babson SUD Sprint Program is a strategic fit for Cejour's commitment to innovating SUD treatment. It provides access to mentorship from leaders in community-based strategies, in-depth workshops on engaging patients and securing impact investments, and networking that connects us with vital investors and partners. These elements are critical for enhancing our operational effectiveness and scaling our outreach, enabling us to advance our goal of delivering compassionate and accessible SUD care more rapidly.

Final Demo Day Presentation
Making Dollars and Sense: Allowing Substance Use Service Providers to Quantify the Value of What They Do

SUD Cost-effectiveness Calculators

We are creating scalable cost-effectiveness calculators for recovery organizations to use to either advocate for funding, or to decide how to best allocate funding. We will off more in-depth cost-effectiveness analysis for clients for a fee.

Biography:
Dr. Brown specializes in health economics. He has examined health insurance markets, and the productivity of those with diabetes. More recently, he has assessed the cost-effectiveness of several public health interventions including childhood obesity, nutrition, vaccination, opioid and substance use disorder, and smoking cessation.

Reason for participating in this course:
I want to get feedback from other entrepreneurs and NIDA

A Revolutionary Neuroscience-Driven, Gamified Digital App to Promote Stimulant Use Disorder Recovery Initiation and Maintenance

We propose to develop a novel gamified digital app to promote recovery among individuals with stimulant use disorder. Nearly 50 million people worldwide have a stimulant use disorder, a condition which has no FDA-approved treatments. Our solution is rooted in a neuroscience foundation: our team understands how stimulants hijack the brain and that conventional approaches will not work for this condition. Through an easy-to-access digital app, our team of neuroscientists, addiction medicine physicians, and computer scientists have the potential to transform healthcare for those suffering form this condition.

Biography:
Dr. Kaileigh Byrne is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Clemson University. My background is in cognitive neuroscience research that examines reward processing, habit formation, and habit breaking behavior. One of my primary areas of expertise lies in understanding how dysregulation in reward processing plays a role in mental health conditions, particularly for substance use disorders (i.e., heightened reward salience) and to develop interventions to improve them. Her current NIH funded research centers around peer recovery coaching interventions for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. She also researches ways to optimize the adherence and efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based mental health apps through unique features, such as avatar customization, virtual world progression, virtual human support, and gamification.

Reason for participating in this course:
Through this course, I hope to learn skills to move my team’s wireframe app for stimulant use disorder from idea to product. As an academic, testing and implementing the science and theory of interventions is second nature, but moving towards commercialization and marketing the productive effectively on a larger scale is less tangible. I hope that this course will help me make strides in bridging this gap so that my team can have a positive, large-scale impact on people suffering with stimulant use disorder.

Early detection approach in quantification of Fentanyl using Microneedle sensor

Our team reports a cost-effective biocompatible absolute carbon matrix embedded microneedle based skin patch sensor for selective fentanyl detection at nanomolar levels. This work holds potential towards developing point-of-care devices that enable detection of illicit drug abuse. Notably, functional nanomaterials exhibiting selectivity towards fentanyl and its metabolites are incorporated as sensing element of sensor with detection range of 10 - 1000 ng mL-1 followed by its upgradation in real-time monitoring to sense fentanyl overdose.

Biography:
Dr. Das at present works as Postdoctoral Research Associate under “International Scholar Exchange Scholarship” at The Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics in The State University of New York: University at Buffalo. Prior to current role he has served as “Institute Postdoctoral Fellow” at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Dr. Das obtained his Bachelor's degree from Bangalore University followed by Master's degree (Distinction) in Chemistry (Organic Specialization) from Christ University with a post master's project on organic fluorescent peptide synthesis at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Subsequently he joined Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and designed non-ionic photoacid generator molecules for fabricating photo-tunable nanosurfaces. In 2020, he obtained PhD in Chemistry from National Institute of Technology Rourkela. He has authored 15 impactful international publications and received research awards (World congress on drug discovery and development - Best Oral Presentation 2016, Indian Society of Nanomedicine - Industrial Best Poster Award 2017, National Institute of Technology Rourkela - Best Research Scholar-Chemistry 2018 and Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan - India: Selected West Zone Research Exhibit 2023) during his research tenure. His research areas include carbon nanomatter, fluorescent sensors, targeted nanomedicine, and environmental remedies.

Reason for participating in this course:
To share our research experience in terms of fentanyl sensor prototype development. Explore the possibilities to attain expert feed-back from stakeholders with regards to our invention. Develop new network connections to a greater ecosystem of entrepreneurs and investors interested in drug addiction solutions. Learn more about funding agencies in the field, that will support our research efforts and commercialization initiatives. Enable learning more about other challenges associated to SUD specially those from the public health perspective.

Developing cannabinoid-based therapeutics for opioid use disorder

We will develop cannabinoid-based therapeutics to treat opioid use disorder. Cannabinoid drugs are known to mediate the action of opioids in the brain's reward system. As such, cannabinoid-receptors and endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes are ideal targets for therapeutic development. Our lab specializes in lipid medicinal chemistry to synthesize novel ligands based on the scaffold of endocannabinoid lipids. Using high-throughput assays and live-cell imaging, we will identify compounds with optimized pharmacokinetics and selectivity at cannabinoid receptor targets. Efficacious compounds are evaluated in rodent models of opioid self-administration and withdrawal, with the goal of identifying lead compounds for future clinical trials.

Biography:
Dr. James Frank received his BSc in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where he began his research career in the field of lipid chemical biology. After graduation, James took a position as an industrial chemist in Switzerland at Corden Pharmaceuticals LLC, where he worked on the large-scale synthesis of complex glycolipids. He then pursued a PhD in Organic Chemistry in Prof. Dirk Trauner's lab at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany, where he pioneered the synthesis and biological application of photoswitchable lipids. James continued his postdoctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Prof. Polina Anikeeva's bioelectronics lab, where he engineered fiber-based implants to apply light-activatable compounds to the rodent brain during freely moving behavioral experiments. James is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, and the Vollum Institute, at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. The Frank Lab develops light-sensitive chemical tools to manipulate excitable cells with increased spatiotemporal precision. In particular, we focus on developing photoswitchable and photocaged ligands that target cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are critical regulators of cell excitability in the brain, and we leverage our findings to develop novel targeted therapeutics for neurological disorders, such as substance use disorder.

Reason for participating in this course:
I am excited to participate in the Babson SUD sprint to learn how to commercialize my research ideas, and develop therapies outside of an academic environment. Building on my experiences working in both academia and industry, understanding the commercialization process is the next logical step in my journey to develop therapies to mitigate the opioid crisis.

Using AI to Help Identify Mental Health Issues and Support Basic Support

My goal is to create an AI-based platform that can identify mental health issues and provide basic support to clients and connect to live providers as needed. Eventually I will integrate patient chat support groups as well.

Biography:
I am a primary care doctor and an addiction specialist with over 25 years of field experience in medicine and business. I co-owned and ran CAE solutions’ innovative ideas department and managed all staff and call centers of over 400 people in US and abroad. I have a broad range of experience with multiple versatile business start ups from tech, solar companies to real estate, and extensive Substance use Disorder experience as a doctor. Currently I own two medical clinics managing mental health issues and Substance use Disorders, expanding rapidly into the novel medical treatments. I integrate a full circle of care for my clients for their quality of life, as their medical doctor and life coach while giving them tools to implement it in their lives, families and society. I am also a Medical Director at a Detox facility providing care to patients.

In conclusion, my ultimate goal is to contribute towards improving our health care system, its policies, technology for providers, consumers and health insurance companies. This will improve quality of life for all.

Reason for participating in this course:
I believe in continuing education and improvement through learning and exchange of ideas. I'm looking forward to a nurturing environment at Babson and meeting of minds working towards a similar goal. A productive society is shaped by strong people who are healthy in body and mind. With my extensive education and experience in medicine, business and mental health field, I believe I have a lot to offer to bring innovative ideas from table to clients and improve quality of life for all.

Smart SBIRT: Targeted Care for Maternal Health

The integration of the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model with a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) in electronic health records is strategically designed to enhance hospital reimbursement processes, a crucial factor for institutional buy-in. This integration improves the accuracy and efficiency of documentation, ensuring that interventions related to substance use disorders are precisely captured and coded, thereby maximizing reimbursement claims from insurance providers. By demonstrating how the SBIRT-CDSS model reduces unnecessary procedures, ensures medical necessity, and supports financial health, it appeals to administrative priorities of cost efficiency and quality care. This alignment with broader institutional goals promises a sustainable and scalable model that can adapt across different healthcare settings, securing the necessary institutional support to ensure long-term viability.

Biography:
I am currently holding the position of Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Raised in the Bronx as a Black female in a family affected by addiction, I have been shaped by a deep understanding of the health disparities that affect urban communities, particularly in the areas of maternal health and addiction.  Professionally, my roles include serving as a national Obstetric faculty member for the Texas AIM Opioid and other Substance Use Disorder Learning Collaborative, and as a local expert on substance use in pregnancy for the NYC Department of Health's Maternity Hospital Quality Improvement Network. My work is currently centered on integrating SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment) services into maternal healthcare to help improve outcomes for underserved populations. I also oversee The Bridge at Mount Sinai Hospital, a program that merges Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Addiction treatment, highlighting my involvement in advancing community-centered healthcare solutions.

Reason for participating in this course:
I want to join the Babson SUD Sprint because it's a perfect fit for my work in substance use disorders (SUD). This program, held at the world's top college for entrepreneurship, focuses on turning research ideas like mine into real-world solutions that can help people. It teaches how to make these solutions successful businesses. At Babson, I'd learn the business skills needed to bring my healthcare innovations to the market, connect with experts, and meet other people working on similar issues. This would help me make a bigger impact with my work and bring positive changes to communities affected by substance use disorders.

Final Demo Day Presentation
Vista: A Self-test Device to Detect Extremely Small Quantities of Fentanyl in a Home of Low Resource Setting

AI-assisted all-inclusive disposable cartridge for sensitive at-home fentanyl detection

We are developing an inexpensive disposable cartridge device that allows untrained users to perform a very sensitive test to detect analytes of interest, such as fentanyl, in mixed samples in an at-home environment with no additional equipment other than a smartphone device.

Biography:​
I received my PhD in Chemistry from UMass Amherst where I developed novel nanomedicine therapeutics for cancer and immunotherapies. I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. My research focus for the last few years has been on developing new point-of-care technologies to make healthcare more accessible, effective and affordable for individuals, particularly in low resource and underserved communities. My future goal is to translate my currently developed technologies into actual products that can benefit these populations through starts ups and commercial partnerships.

Reason for participating in this course:
I have developed functional point-of-care technology with demonstrated efficacy in SUD use cases in my academic work. I am now currently trying to translate that technology into real world application through a commercial venture. My goal in participating is to learn more about the SUD space, including clinical applications and the market. Additionally, I want to make connections with other individuals interested or involved in this field, as well as learning more about entrepreneurship and business.

Final Demo Day Presentation
A Supportive Recovery Companion Tool: K-LINQ APP

Implementation of the companion (API) called K-LINQ and its impact on OUS/SUD users. 

Biography:
Tonya has over thirty-three (33) years of abstinence-based long-term recovery. She's passionate about her recovery practices and has evolved into an open-minded practitioner who approaches solutions to care for those suffering from addiction with a thoughtful sense of compassion. She's traveled the country and shared about the rewards of recovery and her new way of life. She's also been fortunate to have traveled the world and seen recovery in many different cultures and languages. She currently works for a large behavioral health system in an urban city for the last 18 years and has worked in and around that city in every level of care, as well as community-based partnerships and delivery systems including large city institutional stakeholders. She has a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management and a Master's in Public Administration with concentrations in public policy and non-profit management. In 2002, she founded Kohnlinq, Inc., and more recently she founded WeKonnect, LLC, (and now serving as President) to further her (R&D) research and development at the intersection of addiction care delivery systems and technology. She has two adult sons, one grandson, and a large recovering community network across the country. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Reason for participating in this course:

I can focus on the (K-LINQ) tool's operational framework and its individualized companionship with those who suffer. Moving forward, we will try to apply for federal grants and gain support from those with experience and success in seeking funding, including the private sector. Our primary focus is related to the disease of addition and the variables associated with mitigation. With my personal and professional experiences, I have a unique perspective of open-mindedness and compassion and a strong desire to care for this population, especially those underrepresented in this care system and research that currently exists. The broad exposure this program offers, and the practices and skills presented are second to none, and I am grateful for this opportunity. Lastly, I hope to find mentorship throughout my journey to provide helpful insight regarding my entrepreneurship goals and my research objectives for K-Linq addressing (SUD/OUD) Substance Use Disorder/Opioid Use Disorder.

Final Demo Day Presentation
Goal Scaling Solutions

Goal Scaling Solutions—Achieving Goals to Support Recovery

Is engagement and motivation between contacts with individuals with Substance Use Disorders impeding your ability to support people in their recovery? Goal Scaling Solutions, Inc. will change the way you think and communicate about the goals that matter most to you and your clients. At Goal Scaling Solutions, we have harnessed the core principles of the well-known Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) methodology into the world’s first app of its kind, changing the way you think about and meet goals. Goal Scaling Solutions envisions the full range of potential outcomes, is sensitive to incremental progress over time, and provides the tools to communicate with individuals about their goal progress and still report on aggregated goals. Gain improved outcomes with intrinsic motivators with Goal Scaling Solutions' ability to select from a goal library or write your own goals, update goals anywhere anytime, and communicate and upload artifacts between users in a secure platform, all to support long-term recovery.

Biography:
Jennifer Harrison, PhD, LMSW, CAADC is a social worker, chemical addictions counselor, Professor in the School of Social Work at Western Michigan University, and Co-Founder and CEO of Goal Scaling Solutions, Inc. Goal Scaling Solutions provides secure web and mobile outcome measurement to support the goals that matter most to individuals and the people who support them. Jennifer’s practice is oriented on adults and families with co-occurring mental health, substance use, and physical health illnesses, in outpatient and inpatient settings. Her primary areas of research include behavioral health workforce development and evidence-based practice implementation, and outcome measurement. Dr. Harrison is the Co-PI with colleagues from social work, counseling, and occupational therapy for over $5 MM in federal, state, and foundational funding on workforce development and knowledge translation, Her research scholarship is published in national and international journals and texts including Social Work Research, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Community Mental Health Journal, Substance Use & Misuse, the International Journal of Teaching in Business, and Criminal Justice and Behavior.

Reason for participating in this course:
As a faculty member and researcher, development of Goal Scaling Solutions with my colleague, Dr. Ann Chapleau, has been one of the highlights of the last 10 years of my career. In Goal Scaling Solutions, we have developed a tool I wish I had in clinical practice in addictions. The learning curve in business development and marketing has been steep. I am hungry for learning from experts who are passionate about addictions prevention, treatment, and recovery, and understand the critical competencies that I want to develop to bring our innovation to individuals and organizations to sustain their programs and enable recovery and wellness.

Final Demo Day Presentation
A2U: Assistance Delivered to You

A2U (OUD Assistance Delivered to You)

A2U (OUD Assistance Delivered to You) is an innovative, digital platform-inspired solution designed to break down barriers in treating Opioid Use Disorder. By leveraging proven behavioral models similar to those used by successful apps like Duolingo, A2U promotes self-management within FDA-approved treatment protocols and mitigate stigma, thus improving access and effectiveness of treatment. This approach provides step-by-step guidance, fosters accountability, and is tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by individuals dealing with OUD.

Biography:
As a Ph.D. student in Health Informatics at the University of California, Irvine, I am deeply passionate about integrating technology into healthcare solutions, particularly for addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). I have a strong publication record in the application of technology in healthcare including utilizing mobility data for stigmatized populations. My journey, grounded in a background in Digital Electronics Engineering and Computer Science, has led to significant awards, such as the Society of Women in Engineering Graduate Scholarship. My efforts to integrate technology into healthcare have been recognized in various competitions such as Beall Butterworth and TieU competitions. I am focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry, actively engaging in learning about business and startup funding.

Reason for participating in this course:
Participating in the Babson SUD Sprint program aligns perfectly with my aspirations as a female engineer and Health Informatics Ph.D. student aiming to blend my expertise in technology with entrepreneurial zeal. The program provide crucial business insights for market navigation, stakeholder engagement, and addressing commercial challenges. Aiming to bring my project to market, I see this program as a stepping stone to securing SBIR/STTR grants and accelerating product development. Engaging with experts and building a professional network are key steps towards launching my solution successfully, aiming to fill a critical gap in OUD treatment innovation.

Spiritual Biopsychosocial Tool for Gender based Violence Target Safety and Health Promotion at the Point of Care

Modern women and their families have embodied and embedded vulnerabilities throughout their life course that exposes specific health challenges. Gender based violence (GBV) has become a key area for addressing the treatment of drug addiction. Target identification at the point of care greatly minimizes contributing factors of stress, addiction, altered mental health and non-communal disease. Well Woman is a life saving target safety and health promotion tool that integrates a unique user design experience with a real time clinical decision guide and strategic treatment planning for substance use disorders. Our multicomponent  intervention strategy operates with a high degree of prediction accuracy and personalized care at the point of care, which anticipates radical changes for health-harming needs, design safeguards to streamline medical-legal referrals, and focus intelligence and attention to provider-patient engagement to improve public safety and health outcomes.

Biography:
Dr. Hope (Markeita Hope) is a healthcare entrepreneur, trauma-informed clinician, and social justice advocate. A life work grown from a passion in maternal health to current studies at Emory Law, Dr. Hope has tailored her multiple site clinical practice to ensure a real time life course of care and support. Her comprehensive women's health framework has proven to be a wild card across medical specialties and diverse populations. In recent years, Dr. Hope has been the recipient of 2021 NIH Applicant Assistance Program for her gender based violence research project, her county's 2019 Community Development Grant for Emergency Food and Housing Assistance serving 600+ families per week through neighborhood partnerships with local grocery stores, farmers and ranchers and food banks, and  health equity collaboration in 2023 with CVS Project Health throughout the Midwest and Eastern Regions to reduce health disparities in medical deserts. Dr. Hope's nearly four decade commitment to women and their families extends a warm hand beyond the U.S. borders into Caribbean and African countries to provide life saving care and support alongside their frontline professionals.

Reason for participating in this course:
I am excited to participate in this niche specific experiential learning course toward commercialization with ongoing mentorship. I hope to create a playbook to navigate the transition of developer/designer to global best practices for women and their families.  The next step forward in my entrepreneurial journey is product scalability and organizational capacity building while navigating a non-technical background to launch Well Woman, our life saving target safety and health promotion tool at the point of care. And Babson L-Sprint program is the next stop to achieve my goals.

Final Demo Day Presentation
Novel Acute Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

Epigenetic modulators that down regulate triggered craving to prevent relapse in opioid use disorders

EpiVario Inc. is pioneering epigenetic therapeutic development to redefine treatment landscapes for neuropsychiatric disorders. Our discovery provides a unique therapeutic target for addressing obstinate neuropsychiatric disorders such as PTSD and substance use disorders. Leveraging this paradigm-shifting finding, we are advancing the field first with a pharmacotherapeutic designed to prevent relapse in opioid use disorder patients. The company has already successfully showcased the efficacy of a small molecule inhibitor in curbing drug-seeking behavior via an opioid self-administration study performed by NIDA (NIH) in their intramural research program.

Biography:
Thomas Kim is the President & CEO of EpiVario.  He is an experienced biotech executive and corporate attorney, and a registered patent attorney. Prior to EpiVario, he served as SVP and Corporate Secretary for public biopharmaceutical company, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, where he built a global biotechnology patent portfolio, led the company through various M&A transactions, and closed several licenses and partnering deals with large pharmaceutical companies.

Reason for participating in this course:
Our team has limited funds and partners to help us develop our first-in-class approach for preventing relapse in OUD patients. Our technical expertise is focused on epigenetics, but we lack drug development and partnering in this space.

Final Demo Day Presentation
Improving Post Op Care in Opioid Dependent Patients

KATP channel prodrugs as therapeutics for substance use disorders

Small molecules for in patient treatment of substance use disorders

Biography:
Amanda H. Klein, Ph.D,. received her B.S. in Cell Biology and a M.S.in Biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She received her Ph.D. from the Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology program at the University of California Davis. During her graduate school career she has published manuscripts in the field of chemesthesis, looking at sensations of irritation in the oral cavity and skin by chemical mediators. During her postdoctoral training, Dr. Klein worked with Dr. Matthias Ringkamp in the Department of Neurosurgery and Dr. Srinivasa Raja of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, investigating the mechanisms of pain and itch using primary afferent recordings. The current focus of Dr. Klein’s research revolves around the neural mechanisms of pain and the use of opiates and their downstream pathways to alleviate chronic pain, reduce tolerance, and decrease withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Klein’s interests relating to science are broad and include community outreach, policy implementation and legal implications and patenting new discoveries.

Principles and Practices of Behavior Change Therapies

The innovation is a training model targeting four core competencies of evidence-based bahvior change therapies developed as the primary aim of a Mid-Career Independent Scientist Award funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (K02 AA027546, PI: Magill). In 2019 through 2023, Dr. Molly Magill completed a series of manuscripts describing a systematic review and qualitative content analysis that incorporated over 100 sources on treatment for alcohol use, substance use, mental health, and behavioral health. The goal of this work was to systematically extract common procedural elements across evidence-based treatment sources and the resulting four core competencies are as follows: 1) developing a behavior change relationship, 2) providing psychoeducation, 3) setting and monitoring behavior change goals, and 4) providing behavioral skills training. Tools developed via the K02 project included the manuscript overview for each competency (Magill, Martino, & Wampold, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024), a teaching guide, source list, and adherence and competence measures. Tools to be developed include online platforms for virtual training and skill maintenance. Under the Diffusion of Innovations Model (Rogers, 1995), this can be characterized as a Technology Cluster that will be suitable to a variety of clinical education programs as well as direct care settings.

Biography:
Dr. Molly Magill is currently a Professor in the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the Director of Biostatistics at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies. Dr. Magill’s broad area of study is mechanisms of behavior change in psychosocial treatment for alcohol and other drug use disorders. She has received over 10 million dollars in independent research funding from the National Institutes of Health since her postdoctoral training in 2010. In her most recent research, she is focused on therapist or counselor training methods that are based on common factors of established behavioral interventions.

Reason for participating in this course:
I have been working on this training program for four years, and the intent is to create an educational product for use in university settings. However, the approach is quite flexible and thus there are numerous possible product directions. I have experience with SBIR/STTR grants as a reviewer and I have a broad interest in technology and SUD. The bottom line is that commercialization is a key route to impact with the public, but I know little about the business end. I look forward to the SPRINT experience.

AMSTAD

AMSTAD is an innovative adaptive vaporizer designed to aid in reducing nicotine dependency effectively. It integrates advanced technology with Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity to gather data, enabling the development of predictive models tailored for nicotine cessation. The device features customizable dosing, behavioral support, and real-time monitoring, distinguishing it from traditional nicotine replacement therapies. Aimed at offering a personalized approach to cessation, AMSTAD represents a forward-thinking solution to substance use disorders, with potential future applications in addressing THC addiction.

Biography:
As a senior pursuing concurrent majors in Bioengineering, Neuroscience, and Psychology, my academic and research endeavors are driven by a profound commitment to addressing the challenges at the intersection of health technology and human behavior. As the founder of Recalivape, my role encompasses leading the conceptualization, design, and development of an innovative adaptive vaporizer aimed at facilitating nicotine cessation. This encompasses managing the project's strategic direction, overseeing the technical development, and coordinating research efforts to ensure the product effectively meets the needs of users seeking to reduce their nicotine dependence. The AMSTAD project is distinguished by its utilization of cutting-edge technology, including IoT connectivity for data collection and the development of predictive models to personalize nicotine reduction plans, ultimately supporting users in their journey towards cessation. My responsibilities also extend to engaging with stakeholders, securing funding, and navigating regulatory landscapes to bring this health-focused solution to market. This solution is deeply personal to me, rooted in my lifelong ambition to combat the health impacts of smoking—a journey connected to my father’s struggle with smoking and my profound respect for my first mentor, Dr. Brian Tiep, a renowned pulmonologist, and smoking cessation expert. Since my junior year of undergraduate studies, I have dedicated myself to developing the AMSTAD, which has been further enriched by my collaboration with Dr. Edythe London from UCLA’s Department of Pharmacology. This partnership has been instrumental in formulating a protocol. This journey is not just a professional endeavor but a deeply personal commitment to offering a solution that can significantly improve health outcomes for individuals like my father and countless others affected by nicotine addiction.

Reason for participating in this course:
Participating in the Babson SUD Sprint program aligns perfectly with my aspirations to combat substance use disorders (SUDs) through innovative solutions like AMSTAD. This program offers a unique blend of entrepreneurship and commercialization education tailored for SUD innovations, taught by world-class faculty. It presents an unparalleled opportunity to refine AMSTAD’s value proposition, validate market opportunities, and navigate the complexities of SUD commercialization. Engaging with Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® methodology, networking with fellow innovators, and learning from SUD startups will be instrumental in accelerating AMSTAD’s journey from concept to market, embodying my commitment to leveraging interdisciplinary expertise for health-focused innovations.

Development of novel treatments for chronic pain

Effective and responsible treatment of chronic pain conditions represents a critical and growing unmet medical need. The reduction in opioid prescriptions over the last five years was necessary due to the opioid overdose crisis. However, one consequence is exacerbation of a growing chronic pain crisis that existed prior to the recent reduction in opioid prescriptions. Therefore, the development of novel approaches and pharmacotherapies with good efficacy and limited abuse liability is critical for effective chronic pain management. Our work is focused on studying the use of natural products such as cannabinoids (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and decursinol) as well as neuropeptide receptor agonists to prevent the establishment and/or reverse chronic pain.

Biography:
Daniel Morgan, Ph.D., is a tenured associate professor and vice chair in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Marshall University, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine. He received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Rutgers University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Washington and Indiana University. He was a faculty member at the Penn State College of Medicine from 2012–2020 where he received promotion and tenure before joining Marshall University in 2020. He has served in various leadership positions including being the Secretary/Treasurer and Executive Committee Member for the Neuropharmacology Division of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He has served as a peer reviewer for more than 20 scientific journals and is on the Editorial Boards for the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. His research is focused on understanding the role of neuropeptide and endocannabinoid signaling in human health and disease including cannabinoid tolerance, drug addiction, and metabolic homeostasis. He has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2013 to study the molecular mechanisms responsible for cannabinoid tolerance and dependence. He is also interested in improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in biomedical research and was awarded a NIH Diversity Mentoring Supplement Award to establish a pathway program to give local minority high school students biomedical research experience at Marshall University.

Reason for participating in this course:
Simply put, scientific entrepreneurship and commercialization is something that I find fascinating but have very little formal training and background in. Thus my motivation for participating in the SPRINT program is go learn new things that will be useful for my own research program and will also enable me to build research at Marshall University by guiding junior faculty on entrepreneurship possibilities pertaining to their research innovations.

Scaling Public Recovery High Schools: Solutions for Fiscal Sustainability + Equity

Public recovery high schools are an effective and equitable solution to address youth substance misuse, yet their small size creates challenges for fiscal sustainability. 2.0 Schools Colorado aims to tackle these issues to create a long-term solution so this resource can be effectively scaled.

Biography:
Melissa Mouton, MD, MPH, M.Ed., Founder of 2.0 Schools Colorado, is passionate about the intersection of youth recovery and education through recovery high schools. In 2018, she founded the largest recovery high school in the nation, 5280 High School in Denver, CO. While at 5280, she built a strong, diverse community coalition, grew the recovery program from 11 students to more than 100 students over its first five years of operation, navigated two charter renewals, completed two facility projects, and led the organization to strong academic, recovery and financial/operational outcomes. 2024 marks her 16th year in public education, with previous experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum designer and instructional coach. Melissa is a graduate of the School Leadership Residency at High Tech High in San Diego, CA, and is a leader in project based learning pedagogy. She obtained her initial Principal licensure through the Executive Leadership for Successful Schools (ELSS) program at the University of Denver. She earned medicine and public health degrees from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Melissa has been a Denver resident for over two decades and has over 11 years of continuous sobriety.

Reason for participating in this course:
I am so excited to participate in this course! My formal education didn’t include any business courses yet the major questions I am tackling in my career today are business-related. I’m an entrepreneur without a business background and I hope this course will catalyze my impact in the SUD field.

Helpers Program for Tobacco Cessation and Relapse Prevention

Helpers is a web-based, tobacco cessation brief intervention training program developed to help anyone gain knowledge and skills to help someone (even themselves) quit tobacco.  Most recently, Helpers is being applied to newly abstinent smokers (abstainers) to prevent relapse. Helpers'™ multi-media training teaches abstainers to offer a 4-step "helping conversation," a non-confrontational, motivational approach to encourage anyone to quit tobacco and use evidence-based cessation aids. Uniquely, Helpers is a "help others" relapse prevention intervention, versus typical "abstainer-focused" relapse prevention interventions. Through six NIH and other federally funded studies, Helpers has been applied with different populations: ethnic/racial minorities, mental illness/SUD, low-income, rural, low- and middle-income countries, complementary and alternative medicine professionals, and the military. At its most generic conceptualization, Helpers is a personal social network intervention, designed to teach individuals ways to influence their personal networks to support healthy behavior change.  As such, we have begun to apply the Helpers approach to other health-related behaviors.

Biography:
As a family physician in academic medicine, my career has been dedicated to improving the health of under-served and marginalized communities through my research, service, and teaching, and with a focus on substance use disorders. I am Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, a practicing family physician also certified in addiction medicine and obesity medicine, and fellowship trained in integrative medicine. My tobacco cessation work has focused on a range of special populations: medically compromised, change-resistant smokers; ethnic and racial minorities; adolescents; low-income pregnant women; rural; low- and middle-income counties; complementary and alternative medicine professionals, and the military. Over more than three decades of experience in national and international projects, my research team and I have developed tobacco cessation training programs for a broad range of health and human service providers and students, as well as the lay public. We have adapted training curriculum to address the needs of special populations, and used innovative technology to increase accessibility, acceptability, and adaptability of both professional and lay educational programs. In my role as department chair, I am excited to learn more about Babson's entrepreneurial leadership training methodology and how it can apply in other domains of my professional life. My Department of Family Medicine department is developing a primary care innovation practice - a rapid cycle testing "lab" for transformative ways to deliver healthcare. We are also opening a clinic to serve the low-income, minority and marginalized neighborhoods surrounding our campus. This clinic is the anchor for an innovative, and hopefully transformative, "whole health" approach to addressing the healthcare, social determinates of health, and wellness needs of this under-served population, including improved access to substance use disorder treatment and prevention.

Reason for participating in this course:
I am a family physician in academic medicine whose career has been dedicated to improving the health of under-served and marginalized communities through my research, service, and teaching, and with a focus on substance use disorders. Although my research program has developed the Helpers innovation with commercial potential, my academic medicine background has not prepared me to take Helpers to market. Through participating in this program, I want to gain knowledge, skills, mentoring, and connections to commercialize Helpers, where I believe it can have a public health impact. As department chair and director of a leadership development program, I also want to learn more about Babson's entrepreneurial leadership training methodology and explore its potential for impact in other domains of my professional life: healthcare innovation and transformation, and leadership development.

Enhancing glyoxalase pathway to retain neurons function from SUD

Oxidative stress (OS) and Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damages cells and contributes to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and neurodegenerative disease. OS is a state of stress placed on organism resulting from disequilibrium between production of prooxidant molecules and the ability to neutralize the reactive molecules. This state is mediated by production of molecules, and reactive dicarbonyl compounds—mainly methylglyoxal. More than 76 million people worldwide are estimated to have diagnosable Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) (drug abuse or dependence), making these disorders a major global health problem. Pharmacotherapy offers promising means for treating SUDs, and significant progress has been made in the past 20 years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved three of the four medications for drug addict in the last two decades. Unfortunately, these medications do not work for everyone, prompting the need for a personalized approach to optimize clinical benefit or more efficacious medications that can treat a wider range of patients, or both. To promote global health, the potential reorganization of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) must continue to support the National Institute on drug Abuse’s (NIDA’s) vision of ensuring the development and delivery of new and more efficacious medications to treat SUDs in the coming decade. The glyoxalase pathway is an antioxidant defense system utilized to detoxify methylglyoxal and neutralize reactive oxygen species. Pathway dysfunction leads to overproduction and accumulation of toxic, prooxidant compounds. We hypothesize flavonoid treatment as a means to enhance the glyoxalase pathway’s ability to reduce oxidative stress and SUD in neurons. Recent study found that flavonoid treatment in methylglyoxal treated cerebellar neurons increased the functioning of glyoxalase pathway by enhancing expression of glyoxalase-1 and glyoxalase-2 proteins, decreased cell death and increased cellular viability, aided in retention of synapses, and downregulated apoptotic signaling cascades.

Biography:
Dr. Prabagaran Narayanasamy is the Founder and President of Pvitalz Inc. He is also a faculty member in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He received his Ph. D at IIT in Organic Chemistry and did his postdoctoral studies at North Dakota State University, Harvard University and University of Illinois Urbana-champaign. Later, he joined as a Research Scientist at Colorado State University to explore drug discovery. He has been a faculty at University of Nebraska Medical Center since 2011. Dr. Narayanasamy’s research interests are on development, delivering and discovering drug for anti-mycobacterial medicine, antiretroviral therapy and neuroscience drug discovery. For antibacterial drug discovery—Iron metabolism, Methyl erythritol phosphate and Menaquinone pathway are utilized. For antiviral drug discovery NRTI concept is used. For Neuroscience program Glyoxalase pathway is utilized. Conventional drugs and new inhibitors are used in nanoformulation to generate active nanomedicine for sustained drug release through macrophages. In vitro and In vivo characterizations of drug like compounds were also carried out. Recently, He started a drug discovery program to reduce aging and AD. He had funding from NE, CDC, VA, and NIH. Also, member in study sections and several American Societies. He is also Editorial Board member of ASM Microbiology Spectrum, Scientific Reports and PLOS One Journals.

Reason for participating in this course:
I am getting closer to the novel solution to SUD. This course will connect me with major players in solving this problem.

Final Demo Day Presentation
SUDCX: The Hub for SUD Innovation and Networking

“SUD II” Platform

Transcendworx’s “SUD II” platform fosters a dynamic virtual community, uniting SUD innovators, researchers, and community organizations to forge essential partnerships and foster collaborative learning of cutting-edge practices. SUD II would help people and organizations who need partners for research, innovation implementation, or product testing. Additionally, this platform serves as a hub for open-access research, expertly translated into actionable insights for frontline workers and the broader community through engaging mediums such as podcasts, videos, and news updates.

Biography:
Jessica Northcott-Brillati, co-founder of Transcendworx, is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who has worked in a variety of health settings and has supported the management and implementation of grant funded initiatives in several organizations. Jessica believes that supporting the people and organizations within a community is critical to living a life with meaning and connection. She uses a strengths-based approach to enhance collaboration and problem solving to overcome any obstacles a community may be facing.

Reason for participating in this course:
Throughout my career in the SUD field, I’ve been deeply involved in patient care and program implementation, approaching these tasks from academic, clinical, and research angles. In both capacities, I’ve observed a notable gap in awareness and application of innovative practices at the frontline of community care, primarily stemming from the hurdles in commercializing research innovations. While I bring expertise in patient care and program implementation, my understanding of entrepreneurism and the business aspects of SUD innovation is not as extensive. Therefore, I view this program as an invaluable opportunity for my professional growth. Participating would not only enhance my knowledge but also play a pivotal role in advancing SUD II.

Enhanced Digital-Chemosensory-Based Olfactory Training for Remote Management of Substance Use Disorders (EDITOR)

EDITOR is a mobile health solution for remote screening, diagnosis, treatment and self-management of opioid use disorder (OUD) and other co-existing substance use disorders (SUDs), including cocaine and alcohol.

Biography:
Charles is the President at Evon Medics, LLC, a neuroscience research and medical devices development company. He has worked as the Program Director and Principal Investigator of several NIH funded research projects, totaling over $14 million, on olfactory stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease, chronic pain management and opioid/other substance addiction treatment.  Some of Charles' core competencies include strategic management, business and clinical trials operations management, grant writing and review, commercialization and go-to-market strategy, team building, mentoring, and innovation. Charles has led Evon Medics in several accelerator and incubator programs such as the I-Corps and C3i and he is passionate about advancing the field of olfactory and neuromodulation therapeutics/devices, digital therapeutics, precision medicine, and improving the quality of life of patients with neurological and psychiatric conditions. He serves as a member of the NIH special emphasis panel/scientific review committee and the Howard County Alzheimer's Association Executive Committee. He values collaboration, diversity, and entrepreneurship.

Reason for participating in this course:
Receive mentorship and learn from experiences of tenured entrepreneurs in the field of SUDs. Network with other innovators and KOLs to explore possible collaboration opportunities. Acquire enough knowledge and resources to accelerate commercialization of EDITOR to market and help eliminate the scourge of SUDs.

Recovery Jobs

Recovery Jobs is a public benefit corporation working to stem negative outcomes of the SUD crisis through innovation in the employment space. The team is developing virtual Career Development Centers with specialized coaching and job placement services exclusively by and for the recovery community.

Biography:
Jim O’Neill is a strategy and workforce development consultant for businesses and cause-conscious nonprofits. Employment is his passion and focus. He has worked extensively on career pathways programming, professional development, and educational tools for underserved communities. Recovery Jobs is an entrepreneurial venture addressing the gap in employment support and resources for individuals in early recovery. He holds his bachelor’s degrees and an MBA from the University of Binghamton.

Reason for participating in this course:
Babson is providing a unique opportunity with this program to bring together a wide ranging group of researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs working on the same societal problem from different angles. It’s really a week long laboratory for innovation and I’m sure it will result in greater collaboration across disciplines. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to learn from others who are making an impact on the SUD crisis.

Final Demo Day Presentation
Novel glutamate transporter enhancers for the treatment of chronic use of opioids

Novel synthetic beta-lactams for the treatment of drug dependence

We have developed and characterized small molecules, beta-lactams, regulate glutamate homeostasis through enhancement of major glutamate transporter 1, GLT-1. These beta-lactams do not have any antibiotic properties and found to reduce drug seeking behaviors, and this is mediated through enhancement of GLT-1. These small molecules were efficacious in attenuating alcohol intake as well as attenuating the effects of chronic exposure to opioid as well as opioid overdose. These beta-lactams have excellent lipophilicity and oral bioavailability.

Biography:
Biomechanics and Physiology of Movement Dr. Sari’s research has contributed significantly to the field of drugs of abuse, including alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, opioids, and methamphetamine. He has over 125 publications in good- to high-quality, peer-reviewed research journals and over 8 published book chapters. Based in his outstanding achievement in his field, he is now listed as Top #1 Expert Worldwide in the area of Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2 in the brain by Expertscape Inc. He has received several awards and honors in recognition of his excellent contributions to the scientific literature in the field of drugs of abuse. Among these awards are the Sigma Xi Young Investigator Award, the President’s Research and Scholarship Award, Shining Star Award, and the Outstanding Faculty Research and Scholarship Award. Dr. Sari’s research programs have been funded for several years by prestigious awards from the National Institutes of Health. Based on his meritorious scientific achievements, he has secured several NIH funding for the last 15 years. He is member of several editorial boards, including Frontiers in Neuropharmacology. He serves currently as Section-Editor-In-Chief in Toxics journal. He has an incredible record of mentoring and tirelessly interacting with his mentees and other junior colleagues in and outside the laboratory. His research is focused in finding therapeutic drugs, small molecules, for the treatment of alcohol addiction and opioid overdose and addiction. He has contributed to the development and characterization of small molecules, beta-lactams, that regulated glutamate homeostasis to attenuate drug dependence and overdose.

Reason for participating in this course:
This course will help me understand drug development and on how to commercialize and move our small molecules to clinical phases for potential therapeutic effects for the treatment of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence and overdose. These small molecules are the targets for modulating hyperglutamatergic state associated with drugs of abuse.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with peer support for substance use disorders

Leveraging effective solutions from my HIV prevention and treatment work, as well as a growing evidence base showing efficacy of ketamine-assisted therapy for substance use disorders, I would like to create a behavioral intervention and training program for peer support workers who will support SUD patients undergoing medicalized (i.e., without behavioral therapy) ketamine treatments in existing clinics to engage in follow-up group integration circles with peer support.

Biography:
Jae Sevelius, PhD (they/them), is a Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry) at Columbia University, a Clinical Psychologist, and a Research Scientist at New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Sevelius’ community-engaged research focuses on developing and evaluating trauma-informed, gender-affirming, and peer-facilitated interventions to improve mental health and other health outcomes among transgender and gender expansive people in the United States and Brazil. Dr. Sevelius also leads research on psychedelic-assisted therapy for identity-based trauma.

Reason for participating in this course:
I want to participate the Babson SUD entrepreneur program because I am an experienced mental health researcher with an idea that I am extremely passionate about turning into an entrepreneurial endeavor. The use of ketamine for various mental health disorders is increasing, driving the expansion of clinics offering ketamine treatments—a market currently valued at several billion dollars and continuing to grow. Currently, most people access ketamine treatment for depression, followed by anxiety and PTSD, and we know that these mental health challenges contribute significantly to SUDs and represent a huge cost to the US economy. A recent randomized trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found ketamine to be at least as effective as electroconvulsive therapy—which has long been touted as the gold standard, most effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression.

Final Demo Day Presentation
SafeMedWaste: Revolutionizing Drug Disposal for a Cleaner, Safer Future

Opioid disposal device aimed at FDA approval

SafeMedWaste products are the only pharmaceutical disposal products on the market that provide 100% destruction of controlled substance waste. Complete destruction reduces the risks of these dangerous substances from both a diversion and environmental contamination perspective. 

Biography:
Justin is a visionary leader with a passion to inspire and drive transformational innovation that can collectively benefit humanity, the environment, and business. After obtaining a Biomedical Engineering degree from the University of South Carolina and working as a senior leader in the biomedical and technology industries for almost a decade, Justin invented SafeMedWaste, and co-founded SafeMedWaste Inc. Justin's enthusiasm for science and his commitment to produce quality products based on adaptable, sustainable technologies is the driving force behind SafeMedWaste, Inc.

Reason for participating in this course:
I want to engage with people focused in the SUD space and collaborate with others. I hope to help innovate or form fit a disposal solution to assist in reducing opioid use disorder.

Community Oriented App—“Ally Skid” Platform

Through our partnership with the Foundation for Change, we have found that training sessions to bridge the knowledge gap about substance use disorders, for families have been impactful. In fact, the Invitation to Change approach to helping families and clinicians is where I truly gained an appreciation for the transformative power of knowledge. To take it a step further (in a practical sense)—I am proposing and interested in developing a virtual two pronged integrated community support platform. Using the Uber model, one prong is a subscription arm whereby families with resources pay a monthly subscription for support services that they get to utilize in emergencies and crises. Through this arm, resources including childcare, transportation, grocery shopping (all activities of daily living) are quickly mobilized in a timely manner to meet the families’ particular needs. Their service providers are pre-screened, and in appropriate cases trained to handle crises. Additionally, non-urgent needs i.e. respite services are accessed through this side of the platform. This arm serves as the sustainability and income generating side of the platform. The second prong is where need based, free services are accessed. Perhaps working with local and federal governments—for funding, the same services can be accessed by resource limited families in crises as well. The folks utilizing these services are requested to pay it forward by volunteering for other families who may benefit from the same services as they did.

Biography:
As the founder and President of Your Ally Foundation, Inc and Ally Integrated Healthcare, PC, I am responsible for the growth of both organizations and staying true to our mission. Beyond the roles and relationships that define me—as a mother, entrepreneur, clinician, partner, and mentor, I do have a STORY. In fact, it is this story that is deeply foundational to my passion for substance use disorders particularly the forgotten component of what I call the addiction triad- Family. By training, I am a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner (MSN, PMHNP-BC). I completed a Master of Nursing from Boston College, and am board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Additionally, I completed a one year rigorous interdisciplinary Nurse Practitioner Residency (NP/MD/DO) at the VA Boston Healthcare Systems (Boston VHA). It is through this training and my work as an attending clinician that I experienced firsthand and garnered a deep understanding of the impact of substance use disorders on the Patient/Individual and the Community. It is my lived experience as a caretaker, and spouse to a loved one who struggled/s with Alcohol use disorder that informs my practice and passion for supporting the Family; immediate, and extended family. My expertise and experience as a clinician did not prepare me enough for the above mentioned experience. This same experience is the impetus for founding Your Ally Foundation, Inc (YAF)—a 501c (3) nonprofit.

Reason for participating in this course:
The opportunity to learn from the best in the entrepreneurial space is very stimulating to say the least. I am excited for the knowledge, community, connections, and mentorship. As an organization, our particular focus has been directed to Immigrant communities, Women, and other underserved populations. I also understand that the impact of substance use disorders is not discriminative—resources or no resources. There is a need to open this opportunity to the community as a whole. Most importantly, I am passionate about mitigating pain, trauma, and related adverse childhood experiences. Yes, while it takes one individual to become dependent on, and addicted to substances: Alcohol, Opioids, Stimulants etc. The truth is Addiction is a family condition. Everyone suffers. Perhaps mitigating this kind of trauma, on spouses and children may be the first line of prevention for future use in young stars. My lived experience, which is not limited to me, rather widespread, is a testament to the power of community and wrap around services. I am proposing that, we can take care of the individual struggling with SUDs, in tandem with mitigating the related negative impact on families.