USW research recommends continued funding of ‘game-changer’ Buvidal

A newly published evaluation of Buvidal, a long-acting injectable treatment for opioid dependence, offers one of the clearest pictures yet of how the medication is working in real-world settings, and what it feels like for the people using it.

Commissioned by the Welsh Government and led by researchers from the University of South Wales (USW), the report draws together evidence to examine how the medication has been implemented since its introduction, and whether it is living up to claims that it could transform treatment for opioid dependence.

People who become dependent on heroin or other opioids often benefit from opioid substitution treatment, such as methadone or oral buprenorphine, which works by reducing or stopping withdrawal and cravings without producing the extreme highs.

Buvidal is a prolonged-release form of buprenorphine, delivered by weekly or monthly injection rather than daily oral dosing at clinics or pharmacies. For many people, that shift alone can be life-changing, removing the need to structure each day around medication collection and reducing the stigma that can come with visible treatment routines.

USW’s Professor Katy Holloway said the findings show both the promise of Buvidal and the importance of how it is delivered.

“This research has enabled us to develop an in-depth understanding of the evolution of Buvidal treatment in Wales.

“What comes through very strongly is that Buvidal can offer people a sense of stability and breathing space that daily treatments don’t always allow,” she said. “For some, it reduces the constant pressure of managing withdrawal and appointments, making it easier to focus on work, relationships, and recovery. But it’s not a silver bullet. The context around the substance use really matters.”

Buvidal has often been described as a ‘game changer’ in opioid treatment, and the evaluation supports many of those claims. Evidence included in the report points to good treatment retention, reduced use of opioids, and positive patient experiences, particularly among those who struggled with daily dosing routines.

However, the evaluation also paints a complex picture. Some participants experienced challenges during induction onto Buvidal. Others continued to use additional substances to deal with boredom, isolation, or resurfacing trauma. Services reported that staff training, clinical confidence, and resources played a crucial role in users’ experiences of Buvidal.

The report comes at a critical time, as opioid-related harms remain a major public health concern across the UK. It calls for Buvidal to be offered as part of a wider, person-centred treatment system, integrated with psychological support and meaningful social activities rather than positioned as a standalone solution.

“This evaluation reminds us that effective treatment isn’t just about medication. It’s about dignity, giving people real options, and addressing the root cause of substance use. While Buvidal can play an important role, it must be embedded in compassionate, well-resourced, wrapround care, and patient networks and forums.”

The ‘Evaluation of Buvidal’ report is available online and is expected to inform ongoing discussions among practitioners, commissioners, and policymakers about the future of opioid treatment in the UK.

This research was a collaboration between USW, Wrexham University, the University of Hertfordshire, and included criminologists, psychologists, a social worker, a consultant addictions psychiatrist, a medically trained researcher, and a statistician.