NCT07214467 · University of California, San Francisco
Individualized Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation in Opioid Use Disorder
(aDBS OUD)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to determine if personalized (adaptive) Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) based upon invasive brain mapping is safe and can lead to better outcomes like reductions in craving and opioid use.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to determine if personalized (adaptive) Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) based upon invasive brain mapping is safe and can lead to better outcomes like reductions in craving and opioid use.
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
- Adults (all genders) 22 to 75 years old.
- Current diagnosis of severe primary opioid use disorder (OUD) (\>= 6 on DSM-5 OUD criteria) (any form of opioid use).
- History of opioid use for more than 5 years.
- Participants are seeking treatment for their OUD.
- Participants have insight into their opioid use disorder (score \> 26 on the recognition subscale of the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES V.8))
- OUD is treatment refractory: unable to achieve sustained remission over the past 5 years, despite at least three treatment attempts (outpatient, residential, inpatient), with at least one treatment attempt involving taking a first-line medication for OUD (MOUD) such as buprenorphine, methadone, or extended-release naltrexone. Treatment failure is defined as continued opioid use or relapse during or after completion of treatment. Sustained remission is defined per DSM-5 as not meeting any OUD criteria except craving for \> 12 months. Documented adherence: participants must have documented adherence to the failed first-line MOUD for at least 8 weeks (PMID: 29083570).
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
- Social support system and stable living arrangement to provide assurances that the subject will adhere to study requirements: family or friends who live with or near the subject, and can provide collateral information, monitor the subject's behavior, support, and encourage the subject to participate in follow-up visits and evaluations.
- For individuals of reproductive potential: use of highly effective contraception for at least 4 weeks prior to sEEG surgery and agreement to use such a method during study participation.
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnancy or lactation.
- Non-English speaking.
- Participants are not willing to start MOUD treatment with buprenorphine or to switch MOUD to buprenorphine if they are already on other MOUD, for the duration of the study.
- OUD treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention within 3 months.
- History of primary psychosis or Bipolar I disorder per the medical interview.
- History of severe personality disorder that could interfere with study participation (e.g., antisocial personality disorder) per the medical interview.
- History of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness greater than 5 minutes.
- Clinically significant cognitive impairment per neuropsychological testing.
- History of suicidal attempts in the past 3 years or current suicidal thoughts per psychiatric evaluation.
- Coagulopathy: INR \> 1.4, aPTT \> 40 s, platelets \< 100,000.
- Current clinically significant medical or neurologic disease that affects brain function (e.g., recent stroke, myocardial infarction, seizures not due to alcohol withdrawal).
- Clinically significant abnormality on structural brain MRI scan.
- Life expectancy less than 24 months per the clinical judgment of study investigators (e.g., terminal cancers).
- Any labeled DBS contraindication or inability to have brain MRI: certain pacemakers, metal in body, inability to undergo awake operation, significant cardiac or other medical risk factors for surgery, infection, and coagulopathy.
Where
- San Francisco, California
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 Oct 28, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations