Indivior Model Suggests Monthly Buprenorphine Can Reduce Correctional Staffing Costs
Event summary
- Indivior released a cost impact model estimating that its monthly injectable buprenorphine (SUBLOCADE®) can reduce staff time and costs in correctional facilities.
- The model, published in *The Journal of Current Medical Research and Opinion*, compared SUBLOCADE® to methadone, oral buprenorphine, weekly extended-release buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone.
- The model estimates SUBLOCADE® could reduce staff hours by 318 vs. methadone, 747 vs. oral buprenorphine, 192 vs. weekly extended-release buprenorphine, and 6 hours vs. extended-release naltrexone.
- Estimated monthly cost savings ranged from $23 to $22,148, primarily due to reduced dosing and escorting needs.
The big picture
The opioid crisis continues to strain correctional facilities, which are increasingly seeking cost-effective treatment options. Indivior’s model attempts to quantify the potential benefits of its injectable buprenorphine, SUBLOCADE®, in addressing this challenge. The findings could accelerate adoption of long-acting injectables within the corrections system, potentially shifting market share away from existing MOUD treatments.
What we're watching
- Adoption Rate
- The pace at which correctional facilities adopt SUBLOCADE® will depend on budget cycles, existing contracts, and perceived efficacy compared to existing MOUD programs.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- Given the model's funding by Indivior, regulators and payers will likely scrutinize the methodology and assumptions used to determine the cost savings.
- Competitive Response
- Other MOUD manufacturers will likely respond to this data by highlighting the cost-effectiveness of their own products or developing competing injectable formulations.
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