Ketone supplements to help curb opioid cravings during withdrawal
Official title: Ketone Supplementation for Opioid Craving and Withdrawal
Run by University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT07128524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether taking a ketone supplement three times daily for seven days can reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms in adults with opioid use disorder who are staying at a treatment center.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wernersville, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07128524 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-75 with DSM-5 diagnosed opioid use disorder admitted for inpatient withdrawal management at Caron Treatment Center.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with certain severe gastrointestinal or liver conditions, those recently using GLP-1 receptor agonists, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this intervention.
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 Phase 2, randomized, double-blind trial comparing a ketone supplement to a placebo in adults with opioid use disorder during inpatient withdrawal management. Participants will take the assigned treatment three times daily for seven days and complete assessments of mood, pain tolerance, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. The objective is to see if ketones can lower cravings and alleviate withdrawal-related distress compared with placebo. The study is conducted at Caron Treatment Centers with University of Maryland, Baltimore as the lead sponsor.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ketone supplementation could offer a new approach to reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms during inpatient withdrawal management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in related contexts suggests metabolic approaches may influence withdrawal symptoms, but this specific ketone strategy is being tested in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-75 years * Meets currents DSM-5 criteria for OUD and admitted for opioid withdrawal management treatment at Caron Treatment Center * Willingness to provide signed, informed consent and commit to completing the procedures in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Current severe gastrointestinal (GI), liver, or other clinically significant physical disease that may interfere with the intake of the ketone supplement (e.g., sever inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis). * Currently taking (within the past two weeks) GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, e.g. semaglutide, which can interfere with the absorption of the ketone supplement * Currently pregnant or lactating, for people of childbearing potential * Judged by the principal investigator. study physician, or their designee to be an unsuitable candidate for the study
Where it's running
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Caron Pennsylvania Addiction Treatment and Rehab Center
Wernersville, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Peter Manza, PhD — University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Peter Manza, PhD
- Email: peter.manza@som.umaryland.edu
- Phone: 410-706-2814
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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.