buprenorphine caproate

Buprenorphine caproate is a long-acting ester prodrug of the opioid analgesic buprenorphine, specifically developed for veterinary applications. It is primarily utilized as a concentrated transdermal solution for the management of postoperative pain in feline patients. As a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and an antagonist at the kappa-opioid receptor, it provides potent analgesia with a favorable safety profile. The caproate ester modification, in conjunction with a specialized transdermal delivery system, facilitates the slow release and sustained absorption of the active moiety, maintaining therapeutic plasma concentrations for up to four days from a single application. This extended duration of action significantly reduces the need for frequent redosing, thereby minimizing stress for the animal and improving compliance for caregivers. The drug was originally developed by Okapi Sciences (later acquired by Aratana Therapeutics and subsequently Elanco) and received FDA approval for use in cats in 2022.

Brand names

Zorbium

Other names

buprenorphine hexanoate