Methadone Dosing System to personalize opioid treatment
Official title: Methadone Dosing System (MDS)
Funded at Cari Health, INC. · NIH-11330597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, science‑based dosing approach aims to tailor methadone treatment for people with opioid use disorder to reduce withdrawal and improve retention.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cari Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,069,475 |
| NIH project number | 5U44DA059627-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330597 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with opioid use disorder who are receiving methadone maintenance therapy and are undergoing dose adjustments.
✕Less likely to help
People not currently on methadone maintenance or those not experiencing dosing challenges may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
If you or a loved one is on methadone for opioid use disorder, this project seeks to customize dosing by considering how individuals metabolize the drug. Researchers will develop a personalized dosing framework that accounts for genetic differences to keep methadone at therapeutic levels and reduce withdrawal or side effects. The effort includes turning this approach into a market-ready system that clinicians can use to adjust doses more precisely. The study combines patient data, modeling, and clinical input, with the goal of improving treatment stability and outcomes. Participation would involve observing or contributing data to help tailor dosing in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to more consistent symptom control, fewer relapses, and better staying‑in‑treatment rates for people on methadone.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows wide variability in methadone levels and the potential for personalized dosing to improve outcomes, but robust clinical deployment remains under investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Cari Health, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmidle, Patrik — Cari Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Schmidle, Patrik
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A Personalized Methadone Dosing System
This project is creating a new way to figure out the right methadone dose for each person to help them overcome opioid addiction more effectively.
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Improving methadone dosing for opioid addiction treatment
This study is working on a new way to personalize methadone treatment for people recovering from opioid addiction, so that the dose fits each person's unique metabolism, helping them feel better and stay in treatment longer.
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A system to improve methadone treatment for opioid use disorder
This study is looking at a new way to help people with opioid use disorder by making it easier for them to get their methadone treatment, especially for those who have a hard time going to daily appointments, so they can feel better and have more freedom in their lives.
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.