See letter below that was sent to the research staff on 10\/27\/26 in regards to Buprenorphine extended release for rodents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dear Research Staff,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As of October 15, 2026, Buprenorphine Base Polymer (Extended Release) is currently unavailable in all concentrations (0.5 mg\/mL, 1.0 mg\/mL, and 3.0 mg\/mL) from Wedgewood Pharmacy. At this time, there is no estimated availability date from the manufacturer. For additional manufacturer and Recall <\/strong>information, please go to the Wedgewood website at https:\/\/www.wedgewood.com\/wedgewood-recall-information\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure continuity of animal care and research activities, the following analgesic alternatives are available for use in rodents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ethiqa XR: this is an FDA approved extended release buprenorphine that can be used on a similar administration frequency of every 72 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buprenorphine HCl 0.3 mg\/mL: this is not an extended release and will require dosing frequency of minimum of every 12 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note that both alternatives are DEA-controlled substances and require a DEA registration\/license for ordering and possession. Campus Veterinary Services is unable to order these drugs on behalf of investigators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These products can be obtained directly through approved distributors, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n MWI Animal Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covetrus<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patterson Veterinary<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need to add either of these analgesics to your ASAF, the Campus Veterinarians can assist through a Veterinary Verification and Consultation (VVC) and update your protocol accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We strongly recommend that laboratories currently using Buprenorphine ER obtain and maintain a DEA license\/registration if they do not already have one. Having DEA authorization in place provides access to alternative analgesics during supply disruptions and can help prevent delays to research activities when Buprenorphine ER is unavailable. Instructions for obtaining your federal DEA and state pharmacy licenses can be found at https:\/\/iacuc.wsu.edu\/documents\/2022\/09\/dea-license-instructions.pdf\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have any questions regarding analgesic options, ASAF modifications, or the VVC process, please contact the Campus Veterinary team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n