A system to improve methadone treatment for opioid use disorder
Official title: Therapeutic Monitoring System (TMS)
Funded at Cari Health, INC. · NIH-10786206 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with opioid use disorder by making it easier for them to get their methadone treatment, especially for those who have a hard time going to daily appointments, so they can feel better and have more freedom in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cari Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $318,257 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DA059523-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10786206 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals receiving methadone treatment for opioid use disorder, particularly those facing barriers to daily clinic visits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently receiving methadone treatment or those with severe complications from opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a Therapeutic Monitoring System (TMS) to enhance the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) with methadone. It aims to address the challenges faced by patients who must attend opioid treatment programs (OTPs) daily for their medication, which can be particularly burdensome for those in rural or low-income areas. By exploring the potential for longer take-home doses of methadone, the research seeks to improve patient compliance and satisfaction while reducing stigma associated with OUD treatment. The approach includes evaluating the impact of relaxed federal policies on treatment engagement and medication misuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more flexible and accessible treatment options for patients with opioid use disorder, improving their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown positive outcomes with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Cari Health, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmidle, Patrik — Cari Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Schmidle, Patrik
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Methadone Dosing System to personalize opioid treatment
A new, science‑based dosing approach aims to tailor methadone treatment for people with opioid use disorder to reduce withdrawal and improve retention.
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A Personalized Methadone Dosing System
This project is creating a new way to figure out the right methadone dose for each person to help them overcome opioid addiction more effectively.
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Improving methadone dosing for opioid addiction treatment
This study is working on a new way to personalize methadone treatment for people recovering from opioid addiction, so that the dose fits each person's unique metabolism, helping them feel better and stay in treatment longer.
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.