Pharmacogenomics of buprenorphine - a narrative review

Abstract

Buprenorphine, a semi-synthetic opioid, is used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and as an analgesic. Buprenorphine’s benefits over other opioids include longer duration of action, lower abuse potential, and a ceiling effect to serious adverse effects such as respiratory depression. This is a literature review of gene variants affecting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of buprenorphine from databases, such as PubMed. Genetic polymorphisms related to metabolism and receptor binding of buprenorphine can alter the pharmacokinetics and response to buprenorphine. Specifically, genetic variants in CYP3A4, UGT2B7, OPRM1, PDYN, and SLC6A3 may affect metabolism and clinical response to buprenorphine. There is strong evidence linking polymorphism in Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase-2B7 (UGT2B7), enzymes involved in buprenorphine metabolism, with dosing requirements, treatment of OUD, and pain relief. Response to buprenorphine, an effective treatment for opioid use disorder and pain management, differs significantly based on several human genetic variations. However, there is currently insufficient evidence for the clinical significance of individualized treatment of buprenorphine based on genetic variants. Therefore, it is crucial that future research should prioritize evaluating the feasibility and clinical significance of individualized risk predictions and personalized dosing of buprenorphine.