Optimal buprenorphine dosing for opioid use disorder and overdose prevention
Identifying optimal buprenorphine dosing for OUD treatment and prevention of overdose
This project compares higher versus standard daily buprenorphine doses to help people with opioid use disorder who use fentanyl reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and lower overdose risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238494 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to join a trial comparing a higher daily buprenorphine dose (used in some clinics) to the usual dose used now. Participants will be followed over time to track withdrawal symptoms, cravings, treatment retention, return to use, and safety outcomes including overdoses. The team will use random assignment and clinic-based follow-up visits, drawing on experience from current buprenorphine care. Results are meant to update dosing guidance for people who use fentanyl and are starting or staying on buprenorphine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with opioid use disorder who use or have recently used fentanyl and who are starting or are on buprenorphine treatment.
Not a fit: People who do not have opioid use disorder, are not taking buprenorphine, or are treated with other medications (like methadone) would not be helped by this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to clearer buprenorphine dosing that better controls cravings and reduces overdose and return-to-use for people using fentanyl.
How similar studies have performed: Previous dosing guidelines were developed in the heroin era and observational data suggest higher buprenorphine doses may help people using fentanyl, but randomized trials testing this approach are lacking.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beaudoin, Francesca — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Beaudoin, Francesca
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.