BUPRENORPHINE BUCCAL FILM: A NOVEL MUCOADHEVISE APPROACH FOR CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT

Chronic pain remains a significant clinical challenge requiring long-term, effective, and safe therapeutic strategies. Buprenorphine buccal film has emerged as a novel mucoadhesive drug delivery system that offers an alternative approach to conventional opioid therapy. Buprenorphine is a partial μ-opioid receptor agonist and κ-opioid receptor antagonist with high receptor affinity, providing potent analgesia while exhibiting a ceiling effect on respiratory depression. The buccal film formulation adheres to the oral mucosa, enabling direct systemic absorption and avoidance of first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and ensuring consistent plasma drug levels. This review discusses the pharmacological profile of buprenorphine, the principles of mucoadhesive buccal drug delivery, formulation strategies, and clinical efficacy of buprenorphine buccal films in chronic pain management. Additionally, safety, tolerability, patient compliance, and therapeutic advantages over traditional oral and transdermal opioid formulations are critically evaluated. Overall, buprenorphine buccal film represents a promising advancement in chronic pain therapy, combining effective analgesia with improved safety and patient-friendly drug delivery.