Open Society and Soros Foundation
Past Events

Buprenorphine in France

From Zero to 75,000 Patients in Five Years

Location: OSI-Baltimore
Event Date: November 19, 2003
Speakers: Dr. Marc Auriacombe, Dr. William Lowenstein, Dr. Mario Sanchez

Buprenorphine is a highly effective heroin-addiction treatment which was recently approved for use in the United States. It is the first opioid that can be prescribed by physicians in the United States since the passage of the Harrison Narcotic Act in 1914. French physicians have more than five years experience treating patients with this medication. The widespread use of buprenorphine in France has led to a dramatic nation-wide reduction in heroin overdose deaths and in other harms associated with addiction.

The forum's speakers—three French physicians who conduct research and oversee clinical services—reported on their experiences with this treatment. A discussion following the presentation highlighted differences between U.S. and French drug policies and provided an update on buprenorphine in Baltimore.

Presented by the Open Society Institute–Baltimore Drug Addiction Treatment Program and The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

You can access this page at the following URL:
http://www.soros.org/initiatives/baltimore/events/buprenorphone_20031119

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