Indivior Showcases Data on SUBLOCADE® Aiding Long-Term Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder

Evidence supports that SUBLOCADE aids in sustained recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and is both safe and effective. Research underscores the necessity of overcoming obstacles to accessing long-acting injectable treatments for OUD.

In observance of Substance Abuse Prevention Month, Indivior PLC highlighted notable findings from the past year that emphasize the crucial role of medications in treating opioid use disorder (MOUD) and the efficacy and safety of SUBLOCADE®. These insights add to the mounting evidence that SUBLOCADE can enhance outcomes like abstinence, retention, and recovery in individuals with OUD.

A post hoc analysis of a SUBLOCADE phase 3 clinical trial, published in the Harm Reduction Journal, revealed that a 300 mg maintenance dose substantially increased opioid abstinence in participants who injected opioids compared to a 100 mg dose, though both dosages were equally effective for non-injectors.

The CoLAB Study, detailed in the International Journal of Drug Policy, demonstrated that SUBLOCADE treatment could be sustained for 96 weeks, with continuous improvements in abstinence, depression, quality of life, and medication satisfaction. This prospective single-arm, multicenter, open-label trial conducted in Australia showcased the long-term benefits of SUBLOCADE.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine emerged as the most common solution to overcoming access barriers, according to a qualitative survey of 20 participants from various practice settings, published in American Health & Drug Benefits. Despite this, significant challenges remain in ensuring access to medications for those with OUD, necessitating continued support and effective policies in the United States.

A review published in Corrections Today highlighted a stark disparity in access to MOUD between the general public and incarcerated individuals, with stigma and informed consent frequently cited as justifications for limiting MOUD for those in correctional settings.

Presentations at several conferences, including the 2024 American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists and the 2024 American Telemedicine Association Nexus, showcased real-world evidence on the challenges and opportunities in treating individuals with OUD. Topics covered included emergency room visits among OUD patients, the impact of telemedicine on MOUD retention during the pandemic, and buprenorphine treatment following non-fatal opioid overdoses.

At the 2024 College on Problems of Drug Dependence, presentations discussed various aspects of buprenorphine treatment, such as the effects of pain on abstinence during treatment and strategies for effective buprenorphine induction in the era of synthetic opioids.

The U.S. Public Health Service Scientific & Training Symposium and BUPE2024 – Buprenorphine in Medicine, a virtual conference, further explored healthcare utilization, costs associated with OUD management, and treatment outcomes within residential and office-based opioid treatment programs.

The 2024 National Commission on Correctional Health Care Annual meeting examined outcomes and medication diversion in the criminal justice system, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues to improve treatment efficacy.

Dr. Christian Heidbreder, Chief Scientific Officer at Indivior, emphasized the importance of ensuring access to MOUD such as SUBLOCADE to reduce barriers to adherence and improve recovery outcomes for individuals with OUD. He reiterated Indivior's commitment to advancing understanding, educating on evidence-based practices, overcoming stigma, and focusing on recovery outcomes.

In 2023, nearly 6 million people aged 12 or older had opioid use disorder, yet only 18% received treatment through MOUD. This statistic highlights the pressing need to improve access to effective treatments like SUBLOCADE to help more individuals achieve long-term recovery.