Friends Research Institute

The Friends Research Institute Hub is conducting a comparative effectiveness trial of extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) versus a new extended-release formulation of buprenorphine (Brixadi, XR-B) to treat OUD among justice-involved individuals in ten Maryland county jails. In this trial, participants are randomly assigned to receive either XR-NTX or XR-B prior to release from jail, followed by six monthly injections while in the community. The goal of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the two medications, measure medication adherence, and gather data to inform a broader scale-up of MOUD in jails and in the community.

Study Overview

Publications and Presentations

Learning Collaborative Resources

Contact Information

Study Aims

Determine the effectiveness of XR-B versus XR-NTX

Identify factors related to acceptability/feasibility of providing MOUD in jails

Measure outcomes including substance use, overdose, and recidivism

Identify best practices to inform expanded use of extended-release MOUD in jails and in the community

Calculate the cost of implementing these medications in justice settings

Study Sites

Maryland

Study Settings

Jails (10)

Principal Investigators

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Michael Gordon

DPA, Friends Research Institute

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Shannon Gwin Mitchell

PhD, Friends Research Institute

Health Agency Partner

  • Daniel Jarvis, Behavioral Health System Baltimore, Inc.

Justice Agency Partner

  • Martha Danner, Frostburg State University