Congratulations to our Spring ADAI Small Grant Awardees!
06/16/2026
What are ADAI Small Grants?
ADAI works to stimulate and facilitate UW research on alcohol and drug use and addiction through its Small Grants Program, which awards funds to UW researchers for pilot studies and developmental research. The scope ranges from pharmacology of drugs to studies of clinical treatment strategies, prevention, and social policy issues. We fund two cycles annually, in the fall and spring. (The next application deadline will be September 11, 2026.)
Our spring 2026 recipients recently received notification of their awards, and we’re excited to share information about the fascinating projects they’ll be working on! Check them out below, and congratulations Drs. Hatch & Lostutter, Kang & Pravetoni, and Simon!
Assessing the Signal: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of GLP-1 Medications for Problem Gambling
Mary A. Hatch, PhD, Associate Professor, & Ty W. Lostutter, PhD, Associate Professor (both from UW Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences)
Problem gambling (PG) is a rapidly growing public health crisis fueled by the exponential rise of legalized sports betting and other forms of gambling. This pilot study will investigate whether GLP-1 and related medications could also lessen gambling urges in adults with problem gambling. About 70 participants who self-report problem gambling and are taking a GLP-1 medication will complete surveys comparing their gambling urges and behaviors before and after about six weeks of medication use. A subset of 20 participants will then be interviewed by investigators to provide deeper insights into their experiences.
By identifying early signs that GLP-1 medications may reduce gambling symptoms, the study aims to generate preliminary evidence for future clinical trials and treatment development.
Maternal Immunotherapy to Prevent the Neurodevelopmental Consequences of Prenatal Fentanyl Exposure
Jason Kang, MD, PhD, Postdoctoral Scholar, & Marco Pravetoni, PhD, Professor (both from UW Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences)
The prevalence of opioid use during pregnancy has risen over the past decade, particularly for highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which readily cross the placenta and can cause significant harm to the fetus.
This study aims to help prevent prenatal fentanyl exposure by using a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes fentanyl in the mother’s bloodstream before it can reach the developing fetus, protecting it even if the mother returns to use. Using a longitudinal rodent model, the study team will evaluate the antibody’s ability to prevent withdrawal in newborns, protect the adolescent brain from molecular and cellular damage, and preserve cognitive and executive functioning into adulthood.
The findings will provide the first evidence on whether maternal immunotherapy can protect offspring from the effects of prenatal fentanyl exposure and lay the groundwork for future NIH-funded research and the development of new interventions.
Comparing the Reach of Methadone Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Urban vs. Rural Areas
Claire Simon, MD, MS, Assistant Professor, UW Family Medicine
The increase in use of fentanyl has transformed the opioid crisis. Although methadone is highly effective for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) and offers important advantages over buprenorphine, access remains limited because it can only be dispensed through licensed opioid treatment programs, which are rare in rural areas. Using Washington Medicaid claims data, this study will compare the proportion of individuals with OUD who receive methadone treatment in rural versus urban communities and create heat maps showing treatment availability across census tracts. The study will also assess access to any medication-based OUD treatment to identify broader gaps in care.
Findings will improve understanding of geographic inequities in treatment access and support resubmission of a promising K23 proposal that aims to design and implement a primary care model for methadone in rural Washington State.
