Using low doses of buprenorphine to help people start treatment for opioid use disorder
Microdosing initiation of buprenorphine for people seeking treatment for opioid use disorder
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-10888232
This study is exploring a gentle way to help people with opioid use disorder start treatment with buprenorphine by using very small doses at first, so they can avoid withdrawal symptoms and feel more comfortable as they gradually increase their medication.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10888232 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to help individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) begin treatment with buprenorphine. The method involves microdosing, where patients start with very low doses of buprenorphine to avoid withdrawal symptoms and gradually increase to effective doses. This approach aims to make it easier for patients to initiate treatment without the discomfort of withdrawal, which is a common barrier to starting therapy. The study will rigorously test this microdosing protocol to determine its effectiveness in improving treatment uptake.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorder who may have previously struggled to initiate buprenorphine therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not seeking treatment for opioid use disorder or those who are already successfully engaged in buprenorphine therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of patients who can safely start buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of microdosing is gaining interest, this specific approach to buprenorphine initiation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
BRONX, UNITED STATES
- ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — BRONX, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAYES, BENJAMIN T — ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: HAYES, BENJAMIN T
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.