A faster way to start buprenorphine for opioid use disorder involving fentanyl
Rapid outpatient low-dose initiation of buprenorphine for individuals with OUD using fentanyl
This project is exploring a new, quicker way to begin buprenorphine treatment for people with opioid use disorder who are using fentanyl, aiming to make it easier to start without uncomfortable withdrawal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159663 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that buprenorphine is a helpful treatment for opioid use disorder, but starting it can be difficult for those using fentanyl because of severe withdrawal symptoms. This often prevents people from getting the care they need. This project is testing a new 'micro-dose' method where bupuprenorphine is started at very low doses and gradually increased over 10 hours, without requiring you to be in significant withdrawal first. We will compare this new approach to the standard way of starting buprenorphine to see if it is safer, more effective, and more comfortable for patients. Our goal is to find a better way to help more people access life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with untreated opioid use disorder who have recently used fentanyl and are looking to start buprenorphine treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are not using fentanyl or who are already successfully on buprenorphine treatment would not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new approach could make it much easier and more comfortable for individuals using fentanyl to start buprenorphine treatment, potentially leading to more people getting and staying on treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While the standard buprenorphine initiation method is well-established, this specific low-dose 'micro-dosing' approach for fentanyl users in an outpatient setting is a novel strategy being tested for its preliminary efficacy and safety.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kampman, Kyle Matthew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kampman, Kyle Matthew
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.