Rapid vs Standard Induction to Injectable Extended-Release Buprenorphine

Is rapid induction (RI) for initiating extended-release buprenorphine as safe and effective as standard induction (SI) in individuals who inject opioids or use fentanyl?In this multicenter, open-label randomized clinical trial with 729 participants, RI was well tolerated and had higher retention than SI at extended-release buprenorphine injection 2 overall and in fentanyl-positive participants. Administering the second extended-release buprenorphine injection 1 week after the first was well tolerated in both the RI arm and SI arm.These findings suggest support RI for extended-release buprenorphine induction in high-risk patients and demonstrate the feasibility of administering the first 2 doses at least 1 week apart.

Corresponding Author: Robert L. Dobbins, MD, PhD, Indivior Inc, 10710 Midlothian Turnpike, Ste 125, North Chesterfield, VA 23235 (robert.dobbins@indivior.com).

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