This year, the FDA approved a long-acting sub-dermal buprenorphine implant. It provides a continuous low dose of buprenorphine for up to 6 months.

The implant is an option for patients previously stable on 8 mg (or less) per day of sublingual buprenorphine for the management of opioid use disorder. It was developed both to offer easier adherence and to minimise both abuse and diversion of sublingual buprenorphine.