Long-term treatment for opioid use disorder using nalmefene implants
Official title: Nalmefene Implant for the Long-Term Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
Funded at Reacx Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11221105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a small implant that releases nalmefene can help people with opioid use disorder stay on track and avoid relapse for six months or more, making it easier for them to manage their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Reacx Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (South San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2018 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,450,000 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3DA047707-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11221105 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who have recently completed detoxification.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently using opioids or have not undergone detoxification may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of nalmefene implants as a long-term treatment option for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The approach involves a single office-based procedure to insert a subdermal implant that releases nalmefene, an opioid antagonist, continuously for six months or longer. This method aims to improve patient compliance by providing a steady therapeutic level of the medication, thereby reducing the risk of relapse and overdose. The study addresses the critical need for effective long-term management of OUD, especially for those who have undergone detoxification.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of relapse and overdose deaths among patients with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using long-acting opioid antagonists for managing opioid use disorder, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Reacx Pharmaceuticals, INC.
South San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Rajesh a — Reacx Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Patel, Rajesh a
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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.