Improving pain management for patients on buprenorphine
Official title: Treating Chronic Pain in Buprenorphine Patients in Primary Care Settings
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10561600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new team-based approach to help people who are using buprenorphine for opioid use disorder and also dealing with chronic pain and depression, by comparing a special treatment plan with a health education program to see which one helps improve their pain and overall well-being better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2019 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $667,113 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA045695-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10561600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder who also experience chronic pain and depressive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on buprenorphine or do not have chronic pain or depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new approach to help patients who are receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder and also suffer from chronic pain and depression. The study introduces a collaborative care model called TOPPS, where behavioral health specialists and primary care providers work together to create a unified treatment plan. Participants will receive either the TOPPS intervention or a health education program over three months, with follow-ups for a year to assess the effectiveness of the treatment in improving pain and overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel non-pharmacological treatment option for managing pain and depression in patients undergoing buprenorphine therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown that similar collaborative care approaches can be feasible and effective, indicating promise for this novel intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stein, Michael D — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Stein, Michael D
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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.