New sublingual film could make opioid withdrawal less miserable

NCT ID NCT05712707

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a new sublingual film called BXCL501 (dexmedetomidine) to reduce the unpleasant symptoms of opioid withdrawal, like anxiety, muscle pain, and nausea. About 160 adults with opioid use disorder will receive the drug, a placebo, or an existing medication (lofexidine) during a 7-day inpatient stay. The goal is to see if BXCL501 is safer and works better than current options.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

BXCL501 (dexmedetomidine sublingual film)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a safer, non-opioid option to manage withdrawal symptoms and help people start treatment for opioid use disorder.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 160 participants, and one site is paused. The drug may not prove safer or more effective than existing options like lofexidine.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

opiate dependence substance withdrawal syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CenExel HRI

    Marlton, New Jersey, 08053, United States

  • Clinilabs

    Eatontown, New Jersey, 07724, United States

  • New York State Psychiatric Institute

    New York, New York, 10032, United States

  • Yale University

    New Haven, Connecticut, 06519, United States