Using extended release buprenorphine to help patients start treatment for opioid use disorder
Official title: Extended release buprenorphine as a novel low-dose induction strategy
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10868998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,542 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA060411-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with opioid use disorder who are seeking treatment and may have difficulty starting traditional buprenorphine therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing opioid use disorder or those who are not seeking treatment for their condition may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suzuki, Joji — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Suzuki, Joji
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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.