Could a low-dose buprenorphine film be a safer painkiller than oxycodone?

NCT ID NCT05988710

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether low-dose buccal buprenorphine (a film placed in the cheek) can provide pain relief similar to a standard dose of oxycodone but with less potential for abuse. 120 healthy adults will receive different doses of buprenorphine, oxycodone, or placebo in separate sessions. Researchers will measure pain tolerance and drug liking to compare the two drugs.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: buprenorphine (buccal) and oxycodone (oral)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that low-dose buccal buprenorphine provides pain relief similar to oxycodone but with lower abuse potential, pointing toward a safer painkiller option.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study in healthy volunteers, not patients with pain. Results may not translate to real-world use, and abuse potential may still be significant.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia opiate dependence opioid abuse Pain pain agnosia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ABUSE OPIOIDS ANALGESIA PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
RECRUITING

Nashville, Tennessee, 37069, United States

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