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Injectable subcutaneous buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist that binds with high affinity to reduce pain and suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist that binds with high affinity to reduce pain and suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms. Used for Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment, Moderate to severe pain.
At a glance
| Generic name | Injectable subcutaneous buprenorphine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development |
| Drug class | Partial mu-opioid receptor agonist |
| Target | Mu-opioid receptor (μ-OR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management; Substance Use Disorder |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Buprenorphine acts as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, producing analgesia and euphoria at lower doses while exhibiting a ceiling effect on respiratory depression at higher doses. The subcutaneous injectable formulation provides sustained drug delivery for opioid use disorder treatment and pain management. Its high receptor binding affinity and long half-life make it suitable for maintenance therapy with reduced abuse potential compared to full mu-opioid agonists.
Approved indications
- Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment
- Moderate to severe pain
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Injection site reactions
- Dizziness
- Sweating
Key clinical trials
- Evaluation of Tirzepatide as an Adjunct to Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (PHASE2)
- INDV-6001 Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetic Study (PHASE2)
- Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Expectant Mothers: Conceptual Model Assessments Sub-study
- Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Expectant Mothers: Infant Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Sub-study
- Symptom-Inhibited Naloxone Induction (SINI) for Buprenorphine Initiation: A Feasibility Trial (PHASE4)
- Buprenorphine Extended-Release Subcutaneous Injection (RBP-6000) in High-risk Users (PHASE4)
- Acceptability and Feasibility of Extended-Release Subcutaneous Buprenorphine on a Mobile Pharmacy Clinic (PHASE4)
- Extended Release Naltrexone Versus Extended Release Buprenorphine With Individuals Leaving Jail (PHASE2, PHASE3)
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 |
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