Project Summary/Abstract
The work proposed in this application is a supplement to the work Charles River Analytics is already
conducting under our NIDA-funded SBIR (through a fast-track application) entitled Novel, On-demand VR for
Accessible, Practical, and Engaging therapy (NO VAPE) (Grant # 1R44DA059018-01). Aim 2 of NO VAPE is
to Solicit Feedback from Payors and FDA. To support positive coverage decisions by payors and meet FDA
standards for medical device clearance, we will conduct at least five interviews with payors (Milestone 2a) and
hold one FDA presubmission meeting (Milestone 2b) to finalize the design of the human factors evaluations
and the Phase II clinical trial.
If we are not accepted, we will contact payors on our own and conduct at least five interviews with companies
such as Aetna, BlueCross/BlueShield, Cigna, Clover Health, Kaiser Permanente, and United Health Group (all
of whom participate in the early payor feedback program). If we are accepted into I-Corps, we will use the
resources to increase this goal and will conduct 100 total discovery interviews with potential customers,
strategic partners, and other third-party stakeholders.
While NO VAPE focuses on providing an immersive and engaging platform for individuals to practice cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to quit vaping, Charles River’s long-term strategic goal is to become the
preeminent supplier of metaverse tools for treatment of substance dependence (e.g., nicotine, alcohol,
stimulants) and mental health issues (e.g., PTSD, OCD). Participation in the I-Corps Program will provide us
with multiple opportunities to improve our approach to the commercialization of our NO VAPE platform, as well
as our other metaverse tools.