Injectable buprenorphine options to support release from prison
Official title: Injectable Buprenorphine During Transition Out of Prison: A Partially Randomized Preference Pilot Trial
Run by Lifespan · NCT06880718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether two long-acting buprenorphine injections help people with opioid use disorder stay in treatment after leaving prison, and whether letting people choose their injection improves retention.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Lifespan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cranston, Rhode Island) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 18, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06880718 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with opioid use disorder who are incarcerated, in RIDOC MOUD, and expected to be released within about 4 months, with interest in extended-release buprenorphine.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients not anticipated to benefit may include those with imminent release or contraindications to buprenorphine or extended-release formulations.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a pilot hybrid effectiveness-implementation study comparing two extended-release buprenorphine formulations (Sublocade and Brixadi) in individuals transitioning from prison to the community. A partially randomized preference design assigns participants to their preferred formulation or randomizes those without a strong preference, to see how choice affects retention and other outcomes. The study will measure post-release treatment retention, feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of the administration in a correctional setting, with a collaboration between Lifespan, NIDA, and RIDOC in Rhode Island. Participants must be adults with opioid use disorder, enrolled in RIDOC MOUD, and nearing release, among other criteria. Results may inform how patient preference and formulation choice influence real-world treatment continuity after incarceration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve post-release treatment retention and continuity of care for people with OUD leaving prison.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests XR-B meds can support retention, but this specific preference-based, prison-to-community context is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. be at least 18 years of age and incarcerated in the RIDOC facility, 2. be currently diagnosed with OUD and enrolled in the RIDOC MOUD program, 3. have an expected release date within 120 days of study enrollment, 4. have an interest in XR-B and 5. be English speaking Exclusion Criteria: 1. individuals who are pregnant or planning conception, 2. diagnosed with a severe or acute medical or psychiatric disability preventing safe study participation or making follow-up unlikely, 3. have a release date within 21 days of initiation, or 4. have previously had an allergy to buprenorphine. Post-enrollment exclusion will include individuals if there is a change in release date beyond the 120 days and therefore no longer meet original inclusion criteria. These individuals would return to usual MOUD care.
Where it's running
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Rhode Island Department of Corrections
Cranston, Rhode Island, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Justin Berk, MD MPH MBA
- Email: justin_berk@brown.edu
- Phone: (401) 680-1074
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.