#United States #Richmond #Indivior #SUBLOCADE #opioid use disorder

Indivior Presents Pioneering Research on Buprenorphine Efficacy for Opioid Use Disorder

The landscape of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment is evolving as Indivior PLC shares pivotal findings at the recent College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) Annual Scientific Meeting. This week, the company unveiled a post-hoc analysis that suggests a higher dose of buprenorphine, specifically the 300 mg SUBLOCADE® injection, may lead to significantly improved treatment outcomes for patients struggling with heavy fentanyl use.

In the study, patients who were injected with the 300 mg maintenance dose of SUBLOCADE showed clinically meaningful improvements in opioid abstinence compared to those receiving a 100 mg dose. Although the primary endpoint—weekly abstinence—did not significantly favor the higher dose across all opioid use disorder patients, it highlighted the potential benefits of a stronger maintenance strategy for those heavily reliant on fentanyl. Dr. Christian Heidbreder, Chief Scientific Officer at Indivior, emphasized that the 300 mg dose is not only safe but may better cater to individuals with acute fentanyl use patterns, marking a step forward in treatment strategies.

The data confirms what many in the field have suspected: patients experiencing severe opioid dependence, particularly those using fentanyl, may require tailored therapeutic approaches. The research provided a fascinating glimpse into the effectiveness of buprenorphine extended release, underpinning the need for rigorous application of dosage based on patient profiles. Individuals enrolled in this study had various high-risk characteristics, including injection drug use and significant opioid consumption. Knowing that treatment with both the 100 mg and 300 mg doses led to dramatic decreases in weekly opioid use—decreasing from over 40 instances at the initial screening to fewer than three by week three—highlights the necessity for effective medication-assisted treatments in combating OUD.

In addition to discussing SUBLOCADE’s dosing efficacy, Indivior also explored the challenges faced by American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in accessing treatment for OUD. Presenting additional research aimed at identifying barriers to care, the findings revealed that AI/AN populations face disproportionately high rates of opioid overdose and limited access to treatment services. Through thematic analyses conducted with AI/AN advocates, the study outlined significant obstacles including stigma and the complexities of transitioning care for individuals dealing with OUD, advocating for culturally responsive interventions and educational efforts.

Further examinations of a substantial longitudinal claims database, which comprised more than 75,000 AI/AN patients, underscored the disparities in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) received by those seeking treatment from Indian Health Services (IHS) versus non-IHS providers. Notably, a significant portion of these patients—73.1%—sought care from non-IHS sources, yet those who accessed MOUD reported fewer emergency interventions for all causes compared to untreated peers. This stark comparison underscores the urgent need to explore MOUD utilization to enhance health outcomes for diverse populations.

Dr. Heidbreder iterated the relevance of the compilations from this research, identifying critical barriers and shaping pertinent treatment strategies for OUD, especially in populations that confront unique challenges. Indivior is committed to advocating for improved access to necessary medications and support systems, which are essential in enabling recovery from the ongoing opioid crisis.

The findings presented at CPDD had notable implications and provided a solid foundation for advancing treatment methodologies to optimize healthcare delivery for opioid use disorder. As efforts continue to combat this epidemic, Indivior's dedication to enhancing accessibility and understanding of effective treatments stands as a crucial part of the battle against OUD.

Key Abstracts from CPDD

• - Higher Exposures with 300-Mg Buprenorphine Extended-Release (BUP-XR) Increased the Proportion of Responders Among Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Patients with Heavy Fentanyl Use.
• - Barriers to and Facilitators of Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Identified by American Indian/Alaska Native Advocates.
• - Utilization of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and Patient Profiles among American Indian/Alaska Native Managing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

Conclusion

As OUD remains a pressing global public health crisis, companies like Indivior strive to provide innovative solutions and evidence-based approaches to treatment, recognizing the uniqueness of each patient's journey towards recovery.