Penticton Selected for Global Clinical Trial for People in Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder
Local study to be led by Penticton physician Dr. Arlin Munro will evaluate a new investigational treatment alongside existing recovery care
PENTICTON, B.C. — Medical Arts Health Research Group announced today that Penticton has been selected as a site for an international clinical trial studying a potential new treatment for adults in early recovery from opioid use disorder. Recruitment in Penticton is expected to begin in November 2026.
The study is evaluating whether an investigational medication, taken in addition to a person’s existing buprenorphine treatment, can help people in early recovery reduce opioid use. Participants keep their current treatment and prescriber throughout. The study will be led locally by Principal Investigator Dr. Arlin Munro, with Dr. Kyle Stevens, two physicians focused on addiction medicine. The trial is being conducted under Health Canada and research ethics oversight.
“This is an exciting new opportunity in a field that needs more treatment options. People who are struggling with substance use are often left out of research, especially in smaller communities like ours. Our patients shouldn’t have to travel to Vancouver to access new treatment options or contribute to research that could help others. I’m glad we can bring this study to Penticton so people can take part close to home, with the support of their own care team,” said Dr. Arlin Munro, Principal Investigator for the study in Penticton.
Since British Columbia declared a public health emergency over toxic drug deaths in 2016, communities across the province, including the Interior, have felt the impact on families, workplaces and health-care systems. Research into new approaches for people already in treatment is one part of the response.
“When Kamloops joined this study, we heard from people across the Interior asking when it would come closer to them. Penticton is part of that answer. Communities like ours have carried a heavy share of this crisis, and we should have a hand in the research that helps people through it,” said Adam Watson, Clinical Operations Lead at Medical Arts Health Research Group.
About the Study
The trial is a multicentre international study taking place at sites in multiple countries. Penticton joins Kamloops as one of a small number of Canadian communities participating. Eligibility is determined by specific medical criteria; full study details are shared with potential participants through the informed consent process.
Adults in the Penticton and South Okanagan area currently taking Suboxone who would like to learn more can contact the study team confidentially at (888) 490-4320 or visit us at www.healthresearch.ca.
About Medical Arts Health Research Group
Medical Arts Health Research Group conducts clinical research in Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Calgary, contributing to medical knowledge in mental health, substance use, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and other conditions. The organization is committed to bringing high-quality, ethical clinical research opportunities to the communities it serves. Learn more here.
Media Contact:
Adam Watson
Clinical Operations Lead
Medical Arts Health Research Group
(250) 486-1008