Opioid use disorder affects millions of Americans and can involve prescription painkillers, heroin, or fentanyl. Standard treatment combines medications like buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone with counseling and support. Despite effective treatments, many people struggle to access care or stay in treatment long-term.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing longer-acting formulations that require less frequent dosing, depot injections that last weeks or months, and new medications targeting different brain pathways. Researchers are studying ways to treat overdose more effectively, prevent relapse after detox, and address the pain conditions that often lead to opioid use in the first place.
Long-acting formulations
Monthly and even six-month depot versions of buprenorphine are in testing. These could eliminate daily dosing and reduce barriers for people who can't access clinics regularly.
Novel mechanisms
Drugs targeting orexin receptors, kappa opioid receptors, and other brain systems are being tested to reduce cravings without requiring opioid replacement. Some aim to treat both addiction and co-occurring depression or anxiety.
Overdose reversal
Newer formulations of naloxone work faster or last longer to counter fentanyl overdoses. Research is also testing injectable naltrexone given right after overdose to prevent immediate relapse.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on duration of opioid use, current use patterns, prior treatment attempts, 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 medications to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
- Long-acting depot trials — Testing monthly or longer-lasting injections that eliminate the need for daily medication.
- Overdose prevention trials — Testing better naloxone formulations and strategies to reverse overdoses and prevent repeat events.
- Withdrawal management trials — Testing medications that make detox safer and more tolerable, often combined with transition to maintenance treatment.
- Combination therapy trials — Testing medications combined with counseling, smartphone apps, or other support to improve outcomes.
Recently added Opioid Use Disorder trials
Pilot Testing of the emPath Platform to Improve Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Linkage and Retention Among Adults With Opioid Use Disorder in Durham, North Carolina
This pilot study will evaluate the emPath digital platform, a platform designed to improve access to and retention in low-barrier telemedicine for delivery of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among adults with opioid use disorder who engage with community outreach programs in Durham, North Carolina.
Try a digital mental health program to support your opioid medication treatment
Many patients stop medication-based treatments for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) prematurely, placing them at increased risk for overdose and death. Providing targeted interventions for OUD, particularly through an accessible, digital health platform, is a potential way to enhance recovery and keep patients engaged in care. The current study seeks to test whether a digital mental health platform, delivered by peer recovery support specialists to individuals prescribed buprenorphine or methadone medication, will improve treatment outcomes for this high risk population.
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