This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a new pharmacological approach to increase efficacy of treatment with extended release naltrexone (XR-naltrexone) for individuals with opioid use disorder by combining it with buprenorphine-naloxone. This is a two arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to examine whether addition of buprenorphine-naloxone will improve treatment retention, reduce opioid craving, and improve mood over 24 weeks of treatment with extended release naltrexone (XR-naltrexone) administered every four weeks for a total of 6 injections.
Individuals between the ages of 18-65 (inclusive) interested in antagonist-based relapse prevention treatment
Meets current DSM-5 criteria for current opioid use disorder of at least six months duration supported by urine toxicology positive for opioids OR positive naloxone challenge (defined by 3-point increase in COWS) if seeking detoxification and XR-NTX induction OR confirmed recent detoxification treatment for opioids.
In otherwise good health based on complete medical history, physical examination, vital signs measurement, ECG, and laboratory tests (hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis) with no clinically significant abnormalities
Participants who completed detoxification and received XR-NTX are eligible for the study. Participants may be enrolled up to 2 weeks following an initial XR-NTX injection given in any outside research or community-based treatment setting (inpatient, outpatient residential).
Methadone maintenance within 2 weeks of XR-NTX induction or any use of methadone in the week prior to XR-NTX induction
Maintenance on buprenorphine or frequent buprenorphine use in the week prior to XR-NTX induction (must be using no more than 8 mg of buprenorphine per day for no more than 3 days per week). If consenting after initial XR-NTX injection, any use of buprenorphine since XR-NTX induction is exclusionary.
Disabling or terminal medical illness (e.g., uncompensated heart failure, severe acute hepatitis, cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease) as assessed by medical history and/or review of systems.
Severe, untreated or inadequately treated mental disorder (e.g., active psychosis, uncontrolled manic-depressive illness) as assessed by history and/or clinical interview.
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Lead sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator