Using extended release buprenorphine to help patients start treatment for opioid use disorder
Extended release buprenorphine as a novel low-dose induction strategy
This study is looking at a new way to help people with opioid use disorder start treatment more comfortably by using a lower dose of buprenorphine to avoid withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for them to begin their recovery in emergency or outpatient settings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10868998 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to help patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) start treatment using extended release buprenorphine. The study aims to explore a low-dose induction strategy that could prevent withdrawal symptoms when beginning treatment. By administering a lower dose of buprenorphine before withdrawal symptoms appear, the research seeks to make it easier for patients to initiate treatment in emergency or outpatient settings. The goal is to develop a method that can be safely and effectively implemented in real-world clinical environments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with opioid use disorder who are seeking treatment and may have difficulty starting traditional buprenorphine therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing opioid use disorder or those who are not seeking treatment for their condition may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability of patients to start treatment for opioid use disorder without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using low-dose induction strategies for buprenorphine, but this specific approach with extended release buprenorphine is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suzuki, Joji — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Suzuki, Joji
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.