BDSI aiming to develop injectable buprenorphine

BioDelivery Sciences International ($BDSI) is partnering with Evonik to develop a formulation of buprenorphine that can be subcutaneously injected and provide continuous therapy for 30 days. BDSI will pursue an approval for opioid dependence in about three years, but also aims to develop a product for chronic pain in patients requiring continuous opioid therapy. "Not only would a single monthly injection provide an opportunity to substantially improve adherence to buprenorphine treatment, which is a formidable problem for many patients, it could also help to eliminate the problem of diversion. We also believe this will be an outstanding companion product to Bunavail and, if approved, provides another product for our existing sales team," said BDSI CEO Dr. Mark Sirgo in a release. Bunavail is the company's buccal film strip for opioid dependence. More