The
results of a small study indicate that a new, long-lasting formula
of the drug buprenorphine may be effective in treating individuals
addicted to heroin, Reuters reported Jan. 30.
Researchers at John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md.,
found that the long-lasting form of the drug, known as a "depot" formulation,
blocks the effect of opioid drugs, such as heroin and morphine, and prevents
withdrawal symptoms for as long as six weeks.
"I believe the depot medication offers promise as a way to make effective treatment
more accessible to opioid-addicted patients without the need to worry that the
treatment medication itself might be misused or abused," said Dr. George E. Bigelow,
lead author of the study. |
