# Development and Evaluation of Computerized Chemosensory-Based Orbitofrontal Cortex Training (CBOT) for Opioid Use Disorder

> **NIH NIH R44** · EVON MEDICS, LLC · 2020 · $820,883

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Evon Medics LLC proposes to evaluate and optimize the portable, home-based product, Computerized
Chemosensory-Based Orbitofrontal Cortex Training (CBOT), as an alternative strategy for relapse prevention
in patients with Opioid Use (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD). Opioid and other forms of drug
addiction can be defined as a failure to control drug-seeking behavior, and reflect an exaggerated drive to
consume drugs, and/or an inability to engage in outcome-guided behaviors involving non-drug rewards such as
food, health, social status and money. In contrast to overlearned drug-related associations, non-drug outcomes
are often less well established and need to be inferred or mentally simulated. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
plays important role in regulation of addiction through provision of an associative structure (i.e. cognitive map)
for these mental simulations. Additionally, the OFC plays critical role in emotion regulation through enhanced
cognitive reappraisal of negative affective cues; and negative affect is a strong predictor of substance relapse.
People with OUD have reduced OFC volume and function, and heroin and cocaine dose-dependently diminish
OFC neuronal functions, thereby fueling recurrent drug use.
 The CBOT is a programmed, portable, safe, user-friendly device for conjoined chemosensory
stimulation of OFC neural activity with stimulation parameters that overcome OFC desensitization, and for
administration of olfactory cognitive tasks that synergistically engage the OFC with high fidelity sufficient to
induce lasting changes in OFC functions. Phase I research and development met or exceeded stated
technical milestones: CBOT intervention led to increased performance in outcome-guided behavior tasks,
increased retention of OUD patients in treatment and reduced relapse rate during 12 weeks follow-up.
Compared to sham treatment, CBOT-treated OUD patients also experienced less severe opioid withdrawal
and cravings, and less sleep disruptions and negative affect rating, independent of severity and duration of
drug use. Evon Medics is seeking SBIR Phase II funding to demonstrate its utility for home application by non-
treatment seeking and treatment-seeking OUD populations, to engage in long-term, successful opioid
recovery. This proposal will enable additional product refinement to allow broad implementation and
commercialization of the device that increases long-term OUD treatment retention and abstinence and
increases engagement in recovery through acute reduction of withdrawal severity and negative affect. At the
same time, Evon Medics is engaging strategic partnerships that will be used to drive development through
manufacturing, regulatory filings, sales, and distribution. Evon Medics scientists, engineers and commercial
experts are mission-driven and highly motivated to make an impact on mental and social health worldwide.
Key technical objectives of this Phase II project are to: (1) establish the...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10154873
- **Project number:** 2R44DA049616-02
- **Recipient organization:** EVON MEDICS, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Evaristus A Nwulia
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $820,883
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-09-30 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10154873

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10154873, Development and Evaluation of Computerized Chemosensory-Based Orbitofrontal Cortex Training (CBOT) for Opioid Use Disorder (2R44DA049616-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10154873. Licensed CC0.

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