Rapid induction with SUBLOCADE shows higher retention rates for OUD

RICHMOND - Indivior PLC (NASDAQ:INDV), a pharmaceutical company with a market capitalization of $3.1 billion and an impressive 207% return over the past year, announced Wednesday that a new clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open demonstrates higher treatment retention rates with rapid induction of SUBLOCADE, an extended-release buprenorphine injection for opioid use disorder (OUD). According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a strong gross profit margin of 84%, highlighting its operational efficiency in the pharmaceutical sector.

The multicenter, open-label study compared two approaches for initiating SUBLOCADE treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe OUD who engage in high-risk opioid use. The rapid induction method, which involves administering a single 4-mg dose of oral buprenorphine followed by a same-day SUBLOCADE injection, showed better retention at the second injection compared to standard induction, which requires at least seven days of oral buprenorphine before the first injection. With three analysts recently revising earnings estimates upward and a consensus price target suggesting further upside potential, InvestingPro subscribers can access detailed analysis of the company’s growth trajectory.

These benefits were particularly pronounced among participants who tested positive for fentanyl, suggesting potential advantages for treating patients in the current opioid crisis environment.

The study also found that administering a second SUBLOCADE injection just one week after the first was well tolerated in both treatment groups, with comparable safety profiles.

"This study represents a pivotal advancement for both patients and clinicians confronting opioid use disorder in the fentanyl era," said Christian Heidbreder, Chief Scientific Officer at Indivior, according to the press release.

The researchers noted that study limitations included its open-label design, which could potentially introduce reporting bias, although they found no evidence of patient or provider preference for either strategy.

SUBLOCADE is indicated for treating moderate to severe opioid use disorder in patients who have initiated treatment with transmucosal buprenorphine or who are already receiving buprenorphine treatment. The medication carries a boxed warning regarding serious risks associated with intravenous administration.

The findings suggest that rapid induction could provide a more agile and patient-centered treatment approach for individuals with OUD, potentially improving early treatment engagement during a critical period of vulnerability. With an overall "GREAT" financial health score from InvestingPro and a moderate debt level, Indivior appears well-positioned to continue advancing its treatment solutions. InvestingPro subscribers have access to 13 additional key insights and a comprehensive Pro Research Report, offering deep-dive analysis of the company’s financial performance and growth prospects.

In other recent news, Indivior PLC reported a slight increase in its second-quarter net revenue, reaching $302 million, which represents a 1% year-over-year growth. The company’s leading product, SUBLOCADE, contributed significantly to this performance with a 9% rise in net revenue. Following these results, Indivior has raised its full-year net revenue guidance to a range of $1.03 billion to $1.08 billion. Additionally, the company adjusted its EBITDA guidance to between $275 million and $300 million. These developments suggest a positive outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year. Indivior’s updated financial projections reflect confidence in sustaining its current growth trajectory. Investors may find these adjustments noteworthy as they consider the company’s future performance.

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