On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever implantation treatment for opioid dependence.
The implant is called Probuphine and it consists of four one-inch rods that go beneath the skin of the upper arm. The treatment works by delivering a steady controlled dose of buprenorphine, which has been previously used to treat opioid addiction either in pill form or via a film placed under the tongue.
"Opioid abuse and addiction have taken a devastating toll on American families. We must do everything we can to make new, innovative treatment options available that can help patients regain control over their lives," said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, MD. "Today's approval provides the first-ever implantable option to support patients' efforts to maintain treatment as part of their overall recovery program."
The discreet delivery system allows patients to receive treatment without having to remember to take a pill or worry about their medication being lost or stolen. Though buprenorphine produces a less intense high than most opioids, it is abused and distributed illegally. The implant system could potentially mitigate some of that illegal distribution.
"The AMA is pleased the FDA approved a new implantable option to help treat patients with substance use disorders," said Patrice A. Harris, MD, chair-elect of the American Medical Association. "Today's approval by FDA, however, is only one of many steps we must take to rein in our spiraling opioid crisis...there is no panacea to the opioid crisis."
The FDA recommends that Probuphine be used as a part of a complete treatment program, including counseling and social support.
More articles on opioids:
An Epic go-live, the opioid crisis and more: Mass General's CNO weighs in
What physicians think about the opioid crisis: 5 survey takeaways
CDC opioid guidelines raise alarms among hospice and palliative healthcare providers