Researchers at University at Buffalo have been awarded a grant for $333,805 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse to study treatments for chronic pain that will prevent the risk of abuse or development of tolerance, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced Monday, Feb. 25.


“The consequences of drug addiction can be tragic, especially for those who fight to control chronic pain,”  Higgins said. “I am pleased that this much needed research to develop innovative strategies to more safely control chronic pain is happening right here at University at Buffalo in Western New York.”


In recent years, Higgins has worked closely with Avi Israel’s Save the Michaels of the World and other advocates to fight the prescription drug abuse epidemic. Most recently, Higgins sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration  in support of Western New York advocates’ testimony at hearings on proposed strengthened hydrocodone regulation. Higgins also has also worked with Congressman Michael Grimm (NY-11), New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and State Senator Tim Kennedy to advocate for the Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing program, which was passed into law in New York State in July 2012.