New implant could replace monthly shots for opioid addiction
NCT ID NCT07064564
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This early-stage trial tests a new naltrexone implant (iSTEP-N) that slowly releases medication over 12 months to block opioids. It will enroll 33 healthy adults and compare two implant doses to standard monthly injections. The goal is to see if the implant can maintain steady drug levels and be a more convenient treatment option.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- naltrexone implant
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this implant could provide a more convenient, long-lasting treatment option for opioid use disorder, reducing the need for monthly injections.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early Phase 1 study with only 33 healthy volunteers, so it may not show the expected drug levels or safety profile. The implant might not work as well as hoped, and side effects are still being studied.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 33 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2026
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the study: Healthy adult male or female volunteers, ages 18 to 55 years. Able and willing to provide written informed consent prior to any study procedures. In good general health as determined by medical history, physical examination, vital signs, ECG, and laboratory tests (chemistry, hematology, and coagulation). No clinically significant abnormalities in lab results, as determined by the investigator. Negative urine drug screen for opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, and other substances of abuse. Negative breath alcohol test at screening and baseline. Negative naloxone challenge test, indicating no physiological opioid dependence. For females of childbearing potential: Negative serum pregnancy test at screening and Day 0. Agreement to use acceptable contraception (including oral hormonal contraception) for the duration of the study. For males with female partners of childbearing potential: Agreement to use effective contraception throughout the study. Negative infectious disease panel, including HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen, and hepatitis C antibody. No evidence of suicidal ideation or behavior on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) at screening. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) total score of 0 to 10, consistent with no or minimal depressive symptoms. Willing and able to comply with all study visits, procedures, and restrictions, including pharmacokinetic sampling. Willing to refrain from donating blood during the study period. Agree not to use opioid-containing medications for the duration of the study unless medically necessary and approved by the investigator. Exclusion Criteria: Participants who meet any of the following conditions will be excluded: Current or recent history (past 12 months) of opioid use disorder, substance use disorder, or alcohol dependence. Positive urine drug test or breath alcohol test at screening or prior to randomization. Failure of the naloxone challenge test, indicating possible physical opioid dependence. Use of any investigational drug or device within 30 days prior to screening. Use of any opioid-containing medications (prescription or OTC) within 14 days prior to screening. Known hypersensitivity or allergy to naltrexone, polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), polymeric implants, or any other component of the study drug. History of chronic pain, neurological or psychiatric disorders, or any condition requiring regular use of medications. Active medical condition or past medical history that, in the opinion of the investigator, could interfere with the study or pose an undue risk, including: Cardiovascular disease Hepatic or renal impairment Gastrointestinal disorders affecting absorption Respiratory disease Seizure disorder Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders Females who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study period. Baseline systolic blood pressure \>160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure \>100 mmHg. History of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or other severe psychiatric illness. HAM-D17 score \>10 at screening or Day 0. Any suicidal ideation or behavior as defined by the C-SSRS in the past 6 months. Participation in another clinical trial with investigational medication or device within the past 30 days. Known coagulation disorder or current use of anticoagulants. Inability to comply with study procedures due to geographic, social, or mental limitations. Presence of any implantable medical device that may interfere with study procedures or assessments. History of keloid formation or abnormal wound healing, which may affect implant insertion site. History of HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, unless determined to be false positive or clinically insignificant by the investigator. Any condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would make the subject unsuitable for the study.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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JBR Cenexel
RECRUITINGMillcreek, Utah, 84107, United States
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