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Methadone Maintenance Therapy
Methadone Maintenance Therapy is a Synthetic opioid agonist Small molecule drug developed by Oregon Health and Science University. It is currently FDA-approved for Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment, Chronic pain management.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu opioid receptors in the central nervous system to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in opioid-dependent patients.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu opioid receptors in the central nervous system to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in opioid-dependent patients. Used for Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment, Opioid dependence, Chronic pain management.
At a glance
| Generic name | Methadone Maintenance Therapy |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Oregon Health and Science University |
| Drug class | Synthetic opioid agonist |
| Target | Mu opioid receptor (μ-opioid receptor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Addiction Medicine / Substance Use Disorder |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Methadone acts as a full mu opioid receptor agonist with a long half-life (24-36 hours), allowing once-daily dosing. It occupies opioid receptors in the brain, preventing withdrawal symptoms and blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids. This pharmacological action, combined with its sustained duration, makes it effective for maintenance therapy in opioid use disorder by stabilizing patients and reducing illicit drug use.
Approved indications
- Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment
- Chronic pain management
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Sedation
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Respiratory depression
- QT prolongation
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy and Safety of Sustained-release Dexamphetamine in Patients With Moderate to Severe Cocaine Use Disorder (PHASE2)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Methadone Maintenance Therapy Combined With Methamphetamine Abuse (NA)
- Drug-drug Interaction Study of Bemnifosbuvir/Ruzasvir (BEM/RZR) and Buprenorphine/Naloxone or Methadone (PHASE1)
- Treating Polysubstance Use Using a Novel Digital Technology (PHASE3)
- Food Insecurity and Eating Behavior Among Adults Receiving Buprenorphine or Methadone Maintenance Treatment: Pilot Study 2 (NA)
- Social Networks and Methadone Maintenance Treatment Retention and Antiretroviral Therapy Retention in Tanzania (NA)
- Testing an Integrated Bio-Behavioral Primary HIV Prevention Intervention Among High-Risk People Who Use Drugs (NA)
- Secondary HIV Prevention and Adherence Among HIV-infected Drug Users (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Methadone Maintenance Therapy CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Methadone Maintenance Therapy updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Oregon Health and Science University portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Methadone Maintenance Therapy
What is Methadone Maintenance Therapy?
How does Methadone Maintenance Therapy work?
What is Methadone Maintenance Therapy used for?
Who makes Methadone Maintenance Therapy?
What drug class is Methadone Maintenance Therapy in?
What development phase is Methadone Maintenance Therapy in?
What are the side effects of Methadone Maintenance Therapy?
What does Methadone Maintenance Therapy target?
Related
- Drug class: All Synthetic opioid agonist drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Mu opioid receptor (μ-opioid receptor)
- Manufacturer: Oregon Health and Science University — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Addiction Medicine / Substance Use Disorder
- Indication: Drugs for Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment
- Indication: Drugs for Chronic pain management
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing