An advisory committee recommended on Tuesday that the FDA approve a buprenorphine implant (Probuphine) to treat patients with opioid addiction, the New York Times reports.
If approved by the FDA, the matchstick-sized implant could deliver buprenorphine subdermally for 6 months. Buprenorphine is currently available in oral forms and must be taken daily.
The committee voted 12 to 5 in favor of approval.
Supporters say that an implant could help counter the illegal sale and use of oral buprenorphine. However, one drawback to the implant is that physicians aren’t able to adjust the daily dose, which could mean that some patients may have to take oral buprenorphine in addition to the implant early in treatment.
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