Indivior PLC has released findings from a national survey published in the Journal of Correctional Health Care, revealing that correctional leaders view staffing and coordination gaps as primary obstacles to reducing medication diversion for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The survey, which included responses from 180 correctional professionals across U.S. jails and prisons, indicated that a significant majority—88% in jails and 87% in prisons—believe that long-acting injectable (LAI) buprenorphine could effectively mitigate diversion and enhance treatment delivery within these facilities.

The results underscore the therapeutic potential of LAI buprenorphine in correctional settings, where logistical burdens and adherence challenges often hinder effective MOUD implementation. Vanessa Procter, Indivior’s Executive Vice President, highlighted that simplifying treatment models can strengthen MOUD application in the criminal justice system. Additionally, structural barriers such as inadequate staffing and poor coordination between health services and custody were identified, which complicate the administration and monitoring of medications. Christian Heidbreder, Indivior’s Chief Scientific Officer, emphasized that approaches reducing complexity while maintaining evidence-based care could enhance both patient access and institutional efficiency.

The findings suggest a critical need for policy reforms and funding strategies aimed at bolstering staffing capacity and improving care coordination in correctional facilities. While LAI buprenorphine is recognized as a viable strategy to address diversion, challenges related to cost and access remain significant hurdles. This survey highlights the urgency for systemic changes that facilitate sustainable MOUD delivery, not only during incarceration but also throughout the reentry process into the community, thereby supporting long-term recovery efforts for individuals with opioid use disorder.

Source: globenewswire.com