New York University School of Medicine

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The New York University Grossman School of Medicine Hub is conducting GLP-1 Outcomes with people Using Psychoactive Substances (GLOW-UPS): A Multi-Stage Observational and Pragmatic Trial in Criminal-Legal Settings. GLOW-UPS is a large multisite effectiveness-implementation trial to examine glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) usefulness among individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) involved in the criminal-legal system. Participating Departments of Corrections (DOCs) are located in Connecticut, Delaware, and New Hampshire. The study will be informed by Phase I formative research findings on feasibility and acceptability in carceral settings.

Stage 1: Survey and Interview Objectives

To gather qualitative and quantitative data from persons with lived experience, correctional organizations, and treatment providers regarding interest in, knowledge of, and experiences with GLP-1 medications.

To assess current on-label and off-label GLP-1 use by DOC site, formulary policies, costs, and available delivery models in correctional settings.

To identify barriers and facilitators to GLP-1 uptake in correctional and re-entry settings.

To inform eligibility criteria, outcomes, implementation strategies, and design of a subsequent pragmatic clinical trial.

Stage 2: Clinical Trial Objectives:

To assess effectiveness of GLP-1 use on substance use disorder outcomes following release from jail or prison.
To evaluate implementation outcomes using RE-AIM and Proctor frameworks.

Study Sites

Connecticut

Delaware

New Hampshire

Study Settings

Statewide DOC (3: prison-jail unified system (2); state prison (1))

Principal Investigators

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Joshua D. Lee

MD, MS, New York University School of Medicine

Headshot of Lisa Marsch

Lisa Marsch, PhD

MD, Dartmouth College

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Jan Gryczynski, PhD

Friends Research Institute

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Sandra Springer

MD, MPH, Yale School of Medicine

Justice Agency Partner

  • Dr. Daniele Steele, DO, MPH, Medical and Forensic Services Director, New Hampshire DOC
  • Alyssa Grant, Medical and Forensic Services Deputy Director, New Hampshire DOC

  • Morgan Suess, Director of the Addiction Treatment Unit, Connecticut DOC
  • Mike Records, Chief of the Bureau of Healthcare, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, Delaware DOC