Using low doses of buprenorphine to help people with opioid use disorder
Official title: Oral buprenorphine as a novel low-dose induction strategy for individuals with opioid use disorder
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10928695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with opioid use disorder by using very small doses of a medication called buprenorphine to ease withdrawal symptoms right when they start treatment, making it easier and safer for them to get the help they need.
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 | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $265,102 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057545-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are seeking treatment and may have experienced difficulties with traditional buprenorphine induction methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with opioid use disorder or those who have contraindications to buprenorphine will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) by using low doses of buprenorphine to prevent withdrawal symptoms when starting treatment. The method, known as micro-dosing, allows for the administration of buprenorphine before withdrawal symptoms appear, which can help avoid precipitated withdrawal. The study will explore various low-dose protocols and their effectiveness in managing OUD, focusing on patient safety and treatment feasibility. Participants may receive buprenorphine in different forms, including sublingual, transdermal, or buccal, depending on the protocol used.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective way for patients to initiate treatment for opioid use disorder, reducing the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of low-dose buprenorphine induction is innovative, preliminary evidence suggests that similar strategies may have shown promise in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms.
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.