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Edward Bilsky, Ph.D., vice-president for research and scholarship for the University of 51С�Ƴ� will join a group of panelists to discuss opioid addiction in Maine.

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) has partnered with Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli to bring healthcare providers, top researchers, law enforcement and those who have been personally affected by addiction together to focus on federal policies that can be improved to address the widespread problem.  

51С�Ƴ�and Southern Research were recently awarded a $4.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop opioid drugs for the treatment of chronic pain with fewer adverse side effects. At this roundtable discussion, Bilsky will offer his expertise on the science of opioid addiction and the need for better medications to offer those suffering from chronic pain.

“I am excited to join this important discussion,” said Bilsky. “Senator King and his staff have been keenly aware of the challenges that chronic pain and substance abuse presents to people and communities in Maine, the Northeast and beyond. As a scientist who has been studying the pharmacology of opioids for over two decades, I hope to provide a strong foundation for understanding how the brain adapts in response to acute and chronic opioids and the types of pharmacotherapy that are in development. In addition, as a professor, I am able to provide the perspective of how critical the education of the public and future healthcare professionals is to helping prevent and better treat substance abuse.”