Monthly Injectable Buprenorphine Linked to 3.5–8.1x Lower Relapse Risk and 62% Fewer Infections
Two retrospective real-world studies show adherence to monthly injectable buprenorphine is linked to 3.5–8.1x lower opioid relapse risk versus other MOUD and a 62% reduction in bacteremia incidence. Extended-release buprenorphine patients also had 56% fewer inpatient, 22% fewer emergency, and 21% fewer outpatient visits over six months.
1. Relapse Reduction Study
A retrospective claims analysis of 3,400 opioid use disorder patients found those adherent to monthly injectable buprenorphine were 3.5 to 8.1 times less likely to return to opioid use compared to patients on other medications, highlighting extended-release dosing benefits.
2. Infection and Utilization Outcomes
In a cohort of 467 injectable buprenorphine patients versus nearly 120,000 on daily oral therapy, adherent injectable patients experienced a 62% drop in bacteremia incidence along with 56% fewer inpatient, 22% fewer emergency and 21% fewer outpatient visits over six months.
3. Implications for Indivior
These findings underscore the value of sustained SUBLOCADE treatment in reducing costly acute care events, potentially driving greater market uptake and supporting long-term revenue growth for Indivior Pharmaceuticals.