New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder (OUD) drives tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually in the United States alone, and effective treatment with buprenorphine or methadone dramatically reduces mortality — yet most people with OUD don't receive these medications. Research focuses on expanding access, improving medications, and addressing the polysubstance reality of modern overdose.

What's actually going on in research

Extended-release buprenorphine formulations given monthly or bimonthly are making treatment more accessible by removing daily dispensing requirements. Naloxone formulations — including nasal sprays and long-acting injectable versions — are being tested to reduce fatal overdoses in community settings. New approaches targeting the kappa-opioid receptor and using psychedelic-assisted therapy are in early trials for treatment-resistant OUD.

What to know before you search

Eligibility requires an OUD diagnosis, often specifies current opioid use or recent relapse, and some trials require prior treatment failure or focus on specific settings like criminal justice or emergency departments.

What types of trials are currently open

• Medication trials — Testing new or improved formulations of buprenorphine, methadone, or novel medications for OUD.
• Overdose prevention trials — Evaluating naloxone distribution strategies, fentanyl test strips, and overdose prevention centers.
• Behavioral therapy trials — Testing contingency management, app-based support, and peer recovery coaching alongside medication.
• Criminal justice trials — Testing medication initiation in jails, prisons, and during re-entry to prevent post-release overdose.
• Polysubstance use trials — Testing approaches for people using opioids alongside stimulants, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.