New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder affects millions in the US, driven by prescription painkillers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Current treatment centers on medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, combined with counseling. Despite these tools, relapse rates remain high and overdose deaths continue to climb.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing longer-acting formulations that reduce the burden of daily dosing, vaccines that block opioid effects in the brain, and new medications targeting different brain pathways. Researchers are also studying how to improve access to treatment, prevent overdose deaths, and address co-occurring mental health conditions like depression and trauma.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on diagnosis of opioid use disorder, current substance use patterns, prior treatment history, and willingness to participate in counseling or monitoring.

What types of trials are currently open

• Medication trials — Testing new formulations of buprenorphine, naltrexone, or entirely new drugs that target addiction pathways in the brain.
• Vaccine trials — Testing vaccines that prevent opioids from entering the brain and producing euphoria or respiratory depression.
• Treatment access studies — Comparing different ways to deliver medication treatment, such as through primary care, pharmacies, or telehealth.
• Overdose prevention trials — Testing strategies to prevent overdose deaths, including supervised consumption sites and expanded naloxone distribution.
• Behavioral intervention studies — Testing counseling approaches, peer support programs, and contingency management to support recovery alongside medication.