Using a skin patch to help pregnant women start buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder
Official title: Using the Transdermal Patch for Buprenorphine Induction during Pregnancy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10918218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help pregnant women with opioid use disorder start treatment using a skin patch, which might make it easier and more comfortable for them compared to usual methods, and it aims to see how well this works for both moms and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $233,448 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057493-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a transdermal patch to initiate buprenorphine treatment in pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD). The study aims to determine if this method can effectively start treatment without the severe withdrawal symptoms typically associated with traditional induction methods. By conducting a pilot trial at specialized prenatal clinics, the research will assess both the effectiveness and the experiences of patients using this innovative approach. The goal is to improve treatment adherence and reduce complications for both mothers and their babies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective way for pregnant women to receive treatment for opioid use disorder, ultimately improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of transdermal patches for buprenorphine induction has shown promise in other populations, this specific approach in pregnant women is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelly, Jeannie Chen — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kelly, Jeannie Chen
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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.