Improving pain management for patients on long-term opioid therapy
Official title: Sequential Trial of Adding Buprenorphine, Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Outcomes of Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain (ACTION)
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10717184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people who are taking opioids for a long time but still have pain and aren't feeling their best, by adding low-dose buprenorphine, therapy, and a special type of brain treatment to their current medications, all without needing to stop their opioids right away.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $3,290,624 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA058620-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10717184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals currently on long-term opioid therapy who are struggling with pain management and quality of life.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on long-term opioid therapy or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates new treatment options for patients who are on long-term opioid therapy but still experience inadequate pain relief and poor quality of life. The approach involves adding low-dose buprenorphine, cognitive behavioral therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to existing opioid treatments without requiring patients to taper off their opioids immediately. By evaluating the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, the study aims to enhance pain management while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. Patients will participate in a trial to assess how well these new therapies can improve their pain and overall functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with more effective pain management options while reducing the risks associated with long-term opioid use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to improve pain management and reduce reliance on opioids, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barth, Kelly S. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Barth, Kelly S.
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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.