Buprenorphine Transdermal Delivery System: Bioequivalence Assessment and Adhesion Performance of Two Patch Formulations

Abstract

Background and Objective: Buprenorphine is an opioid drug indicated for the management of severe and persistent pain. The buprenorphine transdermal patch provides a non-invasive method of rate-controlled drug release, ensuring constant and predictable drug plasma levels over an extended period. This study aimed to assess the bioequivalence, skin adhesion non-inferiority, and tolerability of two buprenorphine transdermal patches to meet the regulatory requirements for the registration of a generic product in Brazil. Methods: A randomized, single-dose, two-period, two-sequence crossover trial was performed involving healthy subjects of both genders. The subjects received a single dose of either the test formulation or the reference formulation (Restiva®), separated by a 29-day washout period. For pharmacokinetic analysis, blood samples were collected up to 12 days post-dose and quantified using a validated bioanalytical method. Skin adhesion was assessed over a 7-day period (dosing interval) following patch application. Seventy-six subjects were enrolled and fifty-two completed the study. Results and Conclusion: The 90% confidence intervals for Cmax, AUC0–t, and partial AUCs were within the acceptable bioequivalence limits of 80 to 125%. Adhesion comparison showed the non-inferiority of the test formulation. Based on ANVISA’s regulatory requirements, the test and reference formulations were considered bioequivalent and could be interchangeable in clinical practice.

Keywords

• buprenorphine
• transdermal delivery system
• patch
• opioid
• bioequivalence
• adhesion