Optimizing methadone treatment for opioid use disorder with fentanyl exposure
Official title: Optimizing methadone treatment strategies for opioid use disorder in the era of fentanyl
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11402768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to improve methadone treatment strategies for adults with opioid use disorder who are dealing with fentanyl in the drug supply.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $855,061 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA062186-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+ years) with opioid use disorder who are treated with methadone and have exposure to fentanyl in the current drug supply.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not on methadone or without fentanyl exposure may not experience a direct benefit from these dosing changes.
What this research studies
For people with opioid use disorder, the study will explore whether faster initiation and higher maintenance doses of methadone help people stay in treatment and reduce cravings and withdrawal. The researchers will use existing patient data and clinical settings to identify dose strategies that better match the risks posed by fentanyl, aiming to shorten the time to therapeutic effect and improve retention. The findings could guide clinicians on dosing approaches and initiation methods that are safer and more effective in real-world clinics. Participation would involve clinical care and data collection within methadone treatment programs at Brown University and affiliated sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience steadier withdrawal control, reduced cravings, higher retention in treatment, and lower overdose risk.
How similar studies have gone: There is some existing data suggesting dosing and initiation strategies matter, but standardized protocols for fentanyl-affected populations are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beaudoin, Francesca — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Beaudoin, Francesca
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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.