NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using testosterone to help men with pain caused by opioid treatment

Official title: Androgen Replacement to Improve Patient-Important Outcomes in Men with Opioid-Induced Hypogonadism

Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10692766 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how testosterone replacement therapy might help men who have low testosterone levels due to long-term opioid use, with the goal of reducing their pain and improving their overall quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2020
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$808,489
NIH project number5R01AG066921-04
Project IDNIH-10692766 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are men who are experiencing chronic pain and have low testosterone levels due to opioid treatment.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not on opioid medications or who have normal testosterone levels may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how testosterone replacement therapy can alleviate pain and improve quality of life in men suffering from opioid-induced hypogonadism. Many men on chronic opioid medications experience a drop in testosterone levels, which can worsen their pain and overall well-being. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of testosterone in reducing pain perception and enhancing life quality through well-designed clinical trials. Participants will be monitored for changes in pain levels and quality of life indicators.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for men suffering from chronic pain due to opioid use, potentially reducing their reliance on pain medications.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary trials have shown promise in using testosterone replacement for improving pain and quality of life in similar patient populations, but larger, adequately-powered trials are needed.

Where this research is happening

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Basaria, Shehzad — Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Basaria, Shehzad

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.