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Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination is a Opioid agonist-antagonist combination Small molecule drug developed by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston. It is currently FDA-approved for Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment, Opioid dependence. Also known as: Suboxone.

Buprenorphine acts as a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist while naloxone acts as a mu-opioid receptor antagonist, together reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while deterring misuse.

Buprenorphine acts as a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist while naloxone acts as a mu-opioid receptor antagonist, together reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while deterring misuse. Used for Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment, Opioid dependence.

At a glance

Generic nameBuprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination
Also known asSuboxone
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Drug classOpioid agonist-antagonist combination
TargetMu-opioid receptor (buprenorphine as partial agonist; naloxone as antagonist)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaAddiction Medicine / Substance Use Disorder
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Buprenorphine's partial agonist activity at the mu-opioid receptor provides sufficient opioid effect to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings, while its high receptor binding affinity blocks the euphoric effects of additional opioids. Naloxone, included in the combination, is a competitive opioid antagonist that becomes active if the combination is injected intravenously, discouraging intravenous abuse. Together, this combination provides safer opioid maintenance therapy with lower overdose risk compared to full mu-opioid agonists.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination

What is Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination?

Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination is a Opioid agonist-antagonist combination drug developed by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, indicated for Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment, Opioid dependence.

How does Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination work?

Buprenorphine acts as a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist while naloxone acts as a mu-opioid receptor antagonist, together reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while deterring misuse.

What is Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination used for?

Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination is indicated for Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment, Opioid dependence.

Who makes Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination?

Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination is developed and marketed by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (see full The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston pipeline at /company/the-university-of-texas-health-science-center-houston).

Is Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination also known as anything else?

Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination is also known as Suboxone.

What drug class is Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination in?

Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination belongs to the Opioid agonist-antagonist combination class. See all Opioid agonist-antagonist combination drugs at /class/opioid-agonist-antagonist-combination.

What development phase is Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination in?

Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination?

Common side effects of Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination include Headache, Constipation, Nausea, Sweating, Insomnia, Withdrawal symptoms (if inadequately dosed).

What does Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination target?

Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination targets Mu-opioid receptor (buprenorphine as partial agonist; naloxone as antagonist) and is a Opioid agonist-antagonist combination.

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