Comparing Buprenorphine Medications for Opioid Use Disorder After Jail Release
Official title: A comparative effectiveness trial of sublingual versus extended-release buprenorphine with individuals leaving a carceral setting
Funded at Friends Research Institute, INC. · NIH-11094929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project compares two forms of buprenorphine medication to help people manage opioid use disorder as they leave jail and return to their communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Friends Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,129,361 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058674-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 or older with moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder who are soon to be released from a large metropolitan jail.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently incarcerated or do not have opioid use disorder would not be eligible for this specific project.
What this research studies
Many people with opioid use disorder face a high risk of overdose when they leave jail. This project looks at two types of buprenorphine, an extended-release injection and a daily sublingual film, to see which works better to prevent relapse and keep people in treatment. Participants will receive one of these medications while still in jail and continue treatment for six months after release, with follow-up visits for a year. The goal is to find the most effective way to support recovery during this critical transition period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this project could help identify the best buprenorphine treatment approach to reduce opioid use and improve recovery outcomes for individuals transitioning from jail back into the community.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that starting medications for opioid use disorder during incarceration is effective, but this project specifically compares two different buprenorphine formulations in this unique population.
Where this research is happening
-
Friends Research Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Michael Scott — Friends Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Michael Scott
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.