Could a Naltrexone-Bupropion combo curb meth addiction? new trial seeks answers
NCT ID NCT06233799
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This Phase 3 trial tests whether a combination of extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) and bupropion XL (Wellbutrin) can help people with moderate to severe methamphetamine use disorder reduce their drug use. About 360 participants will receive either the active drugs or placebos for 12 weeks. The main goal is to see if more participants in the drug group have at least 75% methamphetamine-negative urine tests during weeks 11-12.
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 naltrexone injection (Vivitrol) and bupropion XL tablets (Wellbutrin)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a new medication option to help people reduce or stop methamphetamine use, addressing a condition with no FDA-approved treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a Phase 3 trial, but previous studies have had mixed results. The combination may cause side effects like nausea or insomnia, and not everyone may respond.
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 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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About 360 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2024
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
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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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: 1. Is 18 to 65 years of age; 2. Meets DSM-5 criteria for moderate or severe MUD (4 or more criteria); 3. Is interested in reducing or stopping MA use; 4. Is able to speak English sufficiently to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent to participate in the study; 5. Self-reports MA use on 18 or more days in the 30-day period prior to consent using the Timeline Followback (TLFB); 6. Provides at least 2 urine samples positive for MA out of up to 3 tests, which will occur at least 2 days apart within a 10-day period; 7. If assigned as female at birth and/or currently has a uterus, is not pregnant, agrees to use acceptable birth control methods, and have periodic urine pregnancy testing done during participation in the study unless documentation of hysterectomy provided; 8. Is not physically dependent on opioids and meets subjective and objective measures of being opioid-free prior to naltrexone injection per study medical clinician's determination, including, if clinically required, a negative naloxone challenge; 9. Is willing to comply with all study procedures and medication instructions; 10. Agrees to use a smartphone app (downloaded for free to own device or on a study provided smartphone device) to take daily videos of medication dosing. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Has an acute medical or psychiatric disorder that would, in the judgment of the study medical clinician, make participation difficult or unsafe; 2. Has suicidal or homicidal ideation that requires immediate attention; 3. Has a history of epilepsy, seizure disorder, or head trauma with neurological sequelae (e.g., loss of consciousness that required hospitalization); current anorexia nervosa or bulimia; or any other conditions that increase seizure risk in the opinion of the study medical clinician; 4. Has evidence of second or third degree heart block, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, prolongation of the QTc, or any other finding on the screening ECG that, in the opinion of the study medical clinician, would preclude safe participation in the study; 5. Has Stage 2 hypertension as determined by the study medical clinician (e.g., greater than or equal to 160/100 in 2 out of 3 readings during screening); 6. Has any elevated bilirubin test value per laboratory criteria OR any other liver function test (LFT) value \> 5 times the upper limit of normal per laboratory criteria; 7. Has a platelet count \<100 x 10exp3/microliter; 8. Has a body habitus that precludes gluteal intramuscular injection of XR-NTX in accordance with the administration equipment (needle) and procedures; 9. Has a known allergy or sensitivity to bupropion, naloxone, naltrexone, PLG (polyactideco-glycolide), carboxymethylcellulose or any other component of the XR-NTX diluents; 10. Has been in a prior study of pharmacological or behavioral treatment for MUD within 6 months of study consent; 11. Has taken an investigational drug in another study within 30 days of study consent; 12. Has been prescribed and taken naltrexone or bupropion within 30 days of study consent; 13. Is concurrently enrolled in formal behavioral or pharmacological Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment services; 14. Is receiving ongoing treatment with tricyclic antidepressants, xanthines (i.e., theophylline and aminophylline), systemic corticosteroids, nelfinavir, efavirenz, chlorpromazine, MAOIs, central nervous system stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, etc.), or any medication that, in the judgment of the study medical clinician, could interact adversely with study medications; 15. Has a current pattern of alcohol, benzodiazepine, or other sedative hypnotic use which would preclude safe participation in the study as determined by the study medical clinician; 16. Requires treatment with opioid-containing medications (e.g., opioid analgesics) during the study period; 17. Has a surgery planned or scheduled during the study period; 18. Is currently in jail, prison or any inpatient overnight facility as required by court of law or have pending legal action or other situation (e.g., unstable living arrangements) that could prevent participation in the study or in any study activities; 19. If assigned as female at birth and/or currently has a uterus, is currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on conception.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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CODA
Portland, Oregon, 97214, United States
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Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
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MUSC/BHS
Pickens, South Carolina, 29671, United States
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University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205, United States
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University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, 90038, United States
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University of California at San Diego
San Diego, California, 92037, United States
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University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States
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University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415, United States
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University of Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee, 38119, United States
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University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, 75247, United States
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University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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