NIDA study compares relapse rates for opioid dependence drugs

A study published in The Lancet by researchers at New York University School of Medicine and colleagues showed that opioid dependence drugs Vivitrol naltrexone from Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS) and sublingual Suboxone buprenorphine/naloxone from Indivior plc (LSE:INDV) led to similar relapse rates once treatment was initiated. However, the study also showed that it was more difficult to initiate patients on treatment with Vivitrol due to the drug's induction detox hurdle, and as a result negatively affected the overall relapse rate.

The 24-week, U.S. Phase IV trial enrolled opioid-dependent adults who had used non-prescribed opioids in the past 30 days to receive once-monthly Vivitrol initiated upon completion of detoxification or once-daily Suboxone initiated as early as possible after randomization. Vivitrol is approved to prevent relapse to opioid dependence following detoxification. Suboxone does not require detox prior to use...