Long-Acting Buprenorphine Medications as a Novel Pharmacological Option in Opioid Dependence

Opioid maintenance treatment with oral methadone or sublingual buprenorphine is an established first-line treatment in opioid dependence. Both drugs must be taken daily (methadone) or at least every second day (buprenorphine). Apart from the novel subcutaneous weekly and monthly depot formulations CAM 2038 (Buvidal (R)) 2 other long-acting buprenorphine formulations may be introduced in the near future: the monthly depot formulation RBP-6000 (Sublocade (TM)) and a 6-month buprenorphine implant (Probuphine (TM)). Clininical findings of these three medications are given and possible clinical indications are discussed.