Improving care for people with opioid use disorder and chronic pain
Official title: Mentoring the next generation of researchers at the intersection of opioid use disorder and chronic pain
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11045791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping people who are dealing with both opioid use disorder and chronic pain by training new researchers to find better ways to treat these challenges together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,671 |
| NIH project number | 5K24DA056837-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing comorbid opioid use disorder and chronic pain, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to opioid use or chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the health and well-being of individuals suffering from both opioid use disorder (OUD) and chronic pain. It focuses on training and mentoring the next generation of researchers to address the urgent clinical needs in this area, which is currently underserved. By fostering a diverse workforce of researchers, the project seeks to improve treatment strategies and outcomes for affected populations. The principal investigator, an experienced physician and behavioral scientist, will mentor early-career investigators to ensure they are equipped to tackle these complex issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and better health outcomes for patients dealing with both opioid misuse and chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of mentoring researchers in this specific intersection is relatively novel, there is a growing recognition of the need for such initiatives in addressing complex health issues.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merlin, Jessica S — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Merlin, Jessica S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Data infrastructure support for real-time opioid overdose prevention
A program to build flexible data systems that can share and use opioid overdose and related health data so researchers and clinicians can act faster and smarter.
-
Targeting Reinforcement to Help Smokers with Opioid Use Disorder and Chronic Pain Quit
A study to see if switching people who smoke and are on buprenorphine for opioid use disorder and chronic pain to cigarettes with very low nicotine can help them quit smoking.
-
Digital program to help Veterans with chronic pain and opioid-use disorder stay on treatment and feel better
A web-based 9-week program helps Veterans on buprenorphine manage chronic pain and cravings from home.
-
Integrated care for people with chronic pain and opioid use disorder at Montefiore/Einstein
This program compares non-drug options like yoga, physical therapy, counseling, and a smartphone support app for people living with chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
-
Multi-omics look at risk and resilience to opioid use disorder in veterans with chronic pain
This grant funds a mentored 5-year project to understand why some veterans with chronic pain are more likely to develop opioid use disorder and what factors help them stay resilient.
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Very low nicotine cigarettes to help people on buprenorphine with chronic pain quit smoking
This compares switching to very low nicotine cigarettes versus regular cigarettes for people with opioid use disorder who have chronic pain to see if it reduces smoking, cravings, withdrawal, and pain.
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.