Combining two medications to help patients transition to naltrexone for opioid addiction.
Official title: Combining Pregabalin with Lofexidine: Can it Increase the Success of Transition to Naltrexone?
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10899615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether taking pregabalin along with lofexidine can help people with opioid addiction have an easier time starting naltrexone, a medication that helps them stay off opioids, by making withdrawal symptoms less intense and reducing the chance of relapse.
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 start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,708,839 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DA049694-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are struggling with opioid addiction and are seeking alternatives to traditional agonist maintenance therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not opioid-dependent or those who are currently using agonist maintenance therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of combining pregabalin with lofexidine to improve the transition to naltrexone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. The study aims to address the challenges of detoxification, which is necessary before starting naltrexone, by potentially shortening the withdrawal period and reducing relapse risk. Pregabalin may help alleviate withdrawal symptoms more effectively than current treatments, making it easier for patients to successfully transition to naltrexone. Participants will be monitored closely to assess the outcomes of this combined treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective method for patients to transition to naltrexone, reducing the risk of relapse and improving treatment outcomes for opioid addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to improve detoxification and transition to naltrexone, but this specific combination of medications is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kampman, Kyle Matthew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kampman, Kyle Matthew
Related research
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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.