Using a buprenorphine patch to help pregnant women with opioid use disorder

Using the Transdermal Patch for BupRenorphine Induction DurinG PrEgnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial (The Patch BRIDGE Trial)

Phase 3 Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT05790252

This study is testing if a buprenorphine patch can help pregnant women with opioid use disorder manage withdrawal symptoms better than a fake patch before they start their regular treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 110 Years
SexFemale
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT05790252 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a buprenorphine transdermal patch for the induction of treatment in pregnant patients with opioid use disorder. Participants will use the patch during the withdrawal period before starting sublingual buprenorphine, with daily phone surveys to monitor withdrawal symptoms. The study will compare the patch method to a sham patch to determine which approach results in fewer withdrawal symptoms and higher treatment success rates, as measured by urine drug screens during prenatal appointments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women who meet the diagnostic criteria for opioid use disorder and are seeking treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are already receiving treatment for opioid use disorder or have a medical contraindication to buprenorphine will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer and more effective method for treating opioid use disorder in pregnant women.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on buprenorphine treatment, the use of a transdermal patch for induction in pregnant patients is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Viable pregnancy
* Meet diagnostic criteria for opioid use disorder
* Receive prenatal care through opioid use disorder specific clinic at our institution
* Opioid use within 24 hours prior to presentation
* Desire treatment with buprenorphine

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients already receiving treatment for opioid use disorder
* History of prior induction attempt with buprenorphine
* Active withdrawal at time of presentation
* Medical contraindication to buprenorphine
* Requiring immediate hospitalization

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Opioid Use DisorderPregnancy RelatedPregnancy, High RiskPregnancy ComplicationsBuprenorphine Withdrawal
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.