People. Science. Answers.

Searching for the Biology Behind Opioid Exposure.

Independent genetic and epigenetic research to better understand the long-term biological effects of opioids.

Science Based Research
Science-Based
Research
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Growing Evidence
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FDA & Regulatory
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DNA Testing Initiative
DNA Testing
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Could opioid exposure leave a measurable biological signature?

Understand

Understand

Clear explanations of the science.

Verify

Verify

Review evidence and regulatory records.

Participate

Participate

Help advance the research through DNA testing.

Real People.
Real Data.
A Healthier Tomorrow.

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The Research Question

Why This Matters

Smith Genetic Research is investigating whether opioid exposure may be associated with measurable changes in human DNA, including epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, and whether these biological effects could help explain long-term health consequences in exposed individuals.

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Established Research

Established Research

Published scientific findings

SGR Question

SGR Question

Independent research focus

Under Investigation

Under Investigation

Needs further study

THE RESEARCH

Following
the Evidence

A deeper examination of the biological questions surrounding opioid exposure.

Science begins with questions, evidence and the willingness to investigate.

DOUGLAS R. SMITH MD

The Opioid
Question

Exploring research, regulatory records and unanswered questions.

A search for greater understanding through science and evidence.

The Book

The Opioid Question

A Search for Answers

Dr. Douglas R. Smith takes you inside the science, the questions, and the human stories behind opioid exposure. This book explores the evidence, the unanswered questions, and the path toward a healthier tomorrow.

“A clear, thoughtful and evidence-based look at one of the most important health questions of our time.”

— Readers
Participate in the Research

Help Advance
the Research

The SGR DNA Testing Initiative

Real progress comes when research questions can be studied through participant data. Your participation may help scientists better understand the biological effects of opioids.

✓ Make a meaningful contribution to independent research
✓ Simple, non-invasive DNA sample collection
✓ Handled by a qualified laboratory
✓ Secure, confidential and privacy-focused
DNA research laboratory
How It Works

Your Participation Journey

01

Learn

Understand the research

02

Register

Provide basic information

03

Receive Kit

Receive your DNA collection kit

04

Return Sample

Simple, non-invasive process

05

Support

Your data may contribute to scientific understanding

Douglas R. Smith, MD
“

“Science advances when questions are asked, evidence is examined, and people come together to find answers.”

— Douglas R. Smith, MD

Founder, Smith Genetic Research

Our Principles

Built on Science.
Driven by Truth.

Independent
Research

Evidence-Based
Approach

Regulatory
Engagement

Laboratory-Grade
DNA Testing

Transparency in
Information

Participant Privacy
Focused

News & Research

Latest Updates

Different perspectives. One connected mission.

Citizen Petition Update
FDA

Citizen Petition Update

Latest status and key information on our FDA petition.

Read More →
Upcoming Talk
Media

Upcoming Talk

Doug's next presentation and latest research discussion.

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New Research Added
Evidence

New Research Added

Latest scientific study added to the evidence library.

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Doug's Book
Book

Doug's Book

Exploring the full research story and the search for answers.

Read More →
Join the Research

Be Part of
the Research.

Explore the science. Review the evidence. Help advance understanding.

Start Your Participation →

Explore Key Areas

Different perspectives. One connected mission

Research

Explore the science, key questions and what we're investigating.

Evidence Library

A searchable collection of studies, regulatory documents and more.

DNA Testing

Learn how testing works, who can participate and how your data helps.

FDA & Regulatory

Documents, petitions, responses and timelines.

About Doug

Physician, researcher, public advocate.

The Book

A deeper look at the questions that matter from Dr. Douglas R. Smith.

Data & Results

Find study updates, key findings and data visualizations.

Get Involved

Find study updates, key findings and data visualizations.

Evidence at the Core Transparency. Sources. Context.

Published Research

Peer-reviewed studies relevant to opioid biology, genes and epigenetics.

FDA & Regulatory

Citizen petitions, correspondence and public records.

SGR Analysis

Independent research and interpretation.

Research Talks

Hear Doug explain the research and key findings.

THE BOOK

The Opioid Question

A Search for Answers
Dr. Douglas R. Smith takes you inside the science, the questions, and the human stories behind opioid exposure. This book explores the evidence, the unanswered questions, and the path toward a healthier tomorrow.

“A clear, thoughtful and evidence-based look at one of the most important health questions of our time.”

- Readers

Help Advance the Research

THE SGR DNA TESTING INITIATIVE
Real progress comes when research questions can be studied through participant data. Your participation may help scientists better understand the biological effects of opioids.

Help Advance the Research

Learn

Understand the research

Register

Provide basic information

Receive Kit

Provide basic information

Return Sample

Simple, non-invasive process

Support

Your data may contribute to scientific understanding

“Science advances when questions are asked, evidence is examined, and people come together to find answers.”

— Douglas R. Smith, MD

Founder, Smith Genetic Research

Built on Science. Driven by Truth.

Independent Research

Evidence-Based Approach

Regulatory Engagement

Laboratory-Grade DNA Testing

Transparency in Information

Participant Privacy Focused

Latest Updates

Different perspectives. One connected mission

Citizen Petition Update

Latest status and key information on our FDA petition.

Upcoming Talk

Doug's next presentation

New Research Added

Latest scientific study in evidence library.

Doug's Book

Exploring the full research story.

Be Part of the Research.
Explore the science. Review the evidence. Help advance understanding.