First implant for treatment of opioid dependence FDA approved

Probuphine, the first buprenorphine implant designed for the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence has been approved by the U.S. FDA. The implant will provide a constant, low-level dose of buprenorphine for 6 months in patients who are stable on low-to-moderate forms of buprenorphine as part of a larger medication-assisted treatment program. Buprenorphine has previously only been prescribed as a pill or as a dissolvable film placed under the tongue or on the inside of an individual’s cheek. While these forms of administration have been effective, worries have been aired with regards to the ability for these medication forms to be...