NCT06306443 · Friends Research Institute, Inc.
Buprenorphine for Individuals in Jail
What this study is about
This study is an open label randomly assigned controlled trial of extended-release buprenorphine (BRIXADI, XR-B) vs. sublingual buprenorphine (SL-B) in a large metropolitan jail.
View original scientific description
This study is an open label randomized controlled trial of extended-release buprenorphine (BRIXADI, XR-B) vs. sublingual buprenorphine (SL-B) in a large metropolitan jail. An open-label design will randomly assign 240 adults with moderate-to-severe OUDs who are soon-to-be-released from jail to either XR-B (n=120) or SL-B (n=120) treatment in jail followed by 6-months of post-release buprenorphine treatment, a 7-month safety visit, and a final long-term follow-up at 12-months.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adult male or female inmates at participating jail who are eligible for release within 120 days (sentenced and/or pretrial \[note: individuals who might be sentenced to state/federal prison will be excluded\]); Those individuals who are pre-trial and/or sentenced who are completing their sentence in the community (probation, parole, home detention, electronic monitoring, drug or other treatment court \[or equivalent\]) will be eligible to participate;
- History of opioid use disorder (meeting DSM-5 criteria of moderate or severe opioid use disorder at the time of incarceration; individuals not meeting the opioid-disorder criterion will be eligible if they were treated in an opioid agonist treatment program during the year before incarceration);
- Suitability for XR-B and/or SL-B treatment as determined by medical evaluation;
- Willingness to enroll in XR-B or SL-B treatment in jail and continue in the community;
- Planning to live in Baltimore City or the Baltimore Region;
Exclusion criteria
- Liver function test levels greater than 5 times normal (if we are unable to obtain labs, a determination by the study physician will be made to allow inclusion);
- Active medical illness that may make participation hazardous (e.g., unstable diabetes, heart disease; moderate to severe renal impairment; adequately treated medical conditions are acceptable);
- Conditions or medications that may predispose to QTc prolongation (personal or family history of long QT syndrome, hypokalemia, medications that prolong QTc interval, e.g., macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungal compounds, anti-arrythmics, antipsychotics and antidepressant);
- Untreated psychiatric disorder that may make participation hazardous (e.g., untreated psychosis, bipolar disorder with mania; adequately treated psychiatric disorders and appropriate psychotropic medications will be allowed);
- History of allergic reaction to buprenorphine;
- Suicidal ideation (within the past 6 months);
- Inability to pass a study enrollment quiz; and
- Currently receiving non-buprenorphine MOUD in jail (methadone, naltrexone).
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations