Improving the initiation of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder
Enhancing buprenorphine low dose initiation (COPILOT)
This study is looking at a gentle way to start treatment with buprenorphine for people struggling with opioid use, especially those using fentanyl, by slowly increasing the dose to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make it easier to stick with the treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10864837 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the initiation process of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, particularly for individuals using fentanyl. The study employs a Low Dose Initiation (LDI) approach, where small amounts of buprenorphine are gradually increased to minimize withdrawal symptoms. By addressing barriers to treatment completion and retention, the research aims to improve patient outcomes and increase the uptake of this life-saving medication. Participants will be monitored and supported throughout the process to ensure a smoother transition into treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, particularly those using fentanyl and facing challenges with traditional buprenorphine initiation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not using opioids or those who have already successfully initiated buprenorphine treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer initiation of buprenorphine treatment, ultimately reducing overdose deaths and improving recovery rates for individuals with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings suggest that Low Dose Initiation protocols are becoming the standard for buprenorphine initiation among fentanyl users in San Francisco, indicating a promising approach that warrants further investigation.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suen, Leslie W. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Suen, Leslie W.
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 below.