Monthly shot may boost opioid treatment success in hospitals

NCT ID NCT04345718

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a once-monthly injection of extended-release buprenorphine helps hospitalized patients with moderate to severe opioid use disorder stay in treatment better than usual care (like daily pills or methadone). Over 300 adults were randomly assigned to receive either the injection or standard medication before leaving the hospital. Researchers tracked how many were still engaged in treatment 34 days later, with follow-ups at 90 and 180 days.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

extended-release buprenorphine

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that a monthly injection of buprenorphine helps more people stay in treatment for opioid use disorder compared to daily pills or other standard options.

What could go wrong

This is a completed Phase 2/3 trial, but results may not apply to all patients or settings. Extended-release buprenorphine can have side effects like injection site reactions or withdrawal symptoms.

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.

follicular lymphoma opiate dependence substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Boston University

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States

  • Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55404, United States

  • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

  • Yale New Haven Hospital

    New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States