Pelago Opioid Feasibility Study Combines Medication with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Digital Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Company’s 13th peer reviewed study demonstrates effectiveness, acceptability, of its holistic digital therapeutic intervention for opioid use disorder

New York, July 17, 2024 – Pelago has announced publication of a groundbreaking study in the journal Digital Health. The study, titled “Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Digital Therapeutic Combining Behavioral and Pharmacological Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder,” demonstrates the effectiveness and acceptability of the company’s digital therapeutic intervention for opioid use disorder (OUD). Key findings of the study include: 

• A 67% days-abstinent rate over 90 days
• A 96.2% average medication adherence rate across study intervals
• An overall decrease in depression & anxiety 
• An overall increase in well-being

“These findings are a testament to the potential of digital therapeutics in addressing the opioid crisis,” said Suzette Glasner, Ph.D., co-author of the study and Chief Scientific Officer at Pelago. “By combining pharmacological treatment with behavioral therapy in a digital modality, we can overcome many of the barriers to care that individuals with OUD face, including concerns about stigma, lack of access to evidence-based treatments, and the need for personalized care with flexible and convenient scheduling options.”

The feasibility study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital therapeutic intervention for OUD and further demonstrates the ability of virtual care to overcome barriers to access associated with in-person treatment. In terms of treatment acceptability, nearly all participants rated the quality of services as good or excellent, and more than 92% found the program effective in managing their opioid use. The intervention trial is Pelago’s 13th peer reviewed, published study. 

“Telehealth treatment for OUD has consistently demonstrated comparable or improved rates of engagement and retention,” said Dr. Glasner. “The current study results add more evidence to support the feasibility and acceptability of telehealth-based behavioral therapy combined with buprenorphine for the successful treatment of OUD, further strengthening the case for extending telehealth prescribing flexibilities.”

Temporary prescribing flexibilities, which include virtual prescribing of controlled substances for OUD treatment, are set to expire at the end of 2024.

About the Study

The OUD feasibility study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a digital therapeutic intervention that combined daily sublingual buprenorphine with psychosocial treatment delivered via a smartphone app. Conducted over 12 weeks, the study involved 27 adults diagnosed with OUD. Participants were assessed monthly for opioid use, medication adherence, anxiety and depression indicators, abstinence self-efficacy, cravings and overall well-being. 

Participants reported increased opioid abstinence days from baseline to 12 weeks with strong medication adherence across study waves (96.2%). Anxiety and depression indicators as well as opioid craving significantly decreased, and abstinence self-efficacy and overall well-being significantly increased following the intervention. Participants also demonstrated high rates of treatment engagement.

Complementing medications for OUD (MOUD) with evidence-based psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing provides a holistic approach to care. While MOUD reduces physiological cravings and the urge to use opioids, behavioral interventions promote the use of skills for managing negative emotions, working through ambivalence, and reframing thoughts around using substances.

For more information about Pelago’s opioid use disorder treatment and existing suite of substance use management solutions, visit www.pelagohealth.com or contact a member of our team.