There is provided a novel process for the preparation of a compound of formula I,

##STR00001##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, W, Z and are as described in the description, by demethylation of a corresponding O-methyl derivative with a borohydride-based reagent. This process may be used in the preparation of buprenorphine.

There is provided a novel process for the preparation of a compound of formula I,

##STR00001##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, W, Z and are as described in the description, by demethylation of a corresponding O-methyl derivative with a borohydride-based reagent. This process may be used in the preparation of buprenorphine.

This disclosure relates to crystalline forms of 3-acyl-buprenorphine derivatives and sustained release injectable pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of opioid dependence, pain or depression, including an aqueous suspension of crystalline 3-acyl-buprenoprhine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the composition does not include an organic solvent, a polylactide polymer, a polyglycolide polymer, or a copolymer of polylactide and polyglycolide. This disclosure also includes 3-acyl-buprenoprhine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof prepared in a controlled release matrix, including poly(lactide-co-glycolide), sucrose acetoisobutyrate, lecithin, diolein and a combination of two or more thereof.

The present invention provides a method of providing pain relief in a human subject in need thereof comprising administering (R)-dihydroetorphine to said subject, wherein said (R)-dihydroetorphine is administered in a dose of at least 0.01 g/kg, preferably at least 0.05 g/kg, and the level of respiratory depression in said subject is 65 or less % relative to the baseline level pre-administration of (R)-dihydroetorphine.

The present invention provides a method of providing pain relief in a human subject in need thereof comprising administering (R)-dihydroetorphine to said subject, wherein said (R)-dihydroetorphine is administered in a dose of at least 0.01 g/kg, preferably at least 0.05 g/kg, and the level of respiratory depression in said subject is 65 or less % relative to the baseline level pre-administration of (R)-dihydroetorphine.

The present disclosure provides acetate salts of buprenorphine, and its anhydrates, solvates, hydrates, and crystalline forms thereof, where the acetate salts of buprenorphine are essentially free of impurities. The disclosure further provides method of preparing the acetate salts, buprenorphine free base prepared from the acetate salts, other salts prepared from the free base, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof essentially free of impurities.

The present disclosure provides acetate salts of buprenorphine, and its anhydrates, solvates, hydrates, and crystalline forms thereof, where the acetate salts of buprenorphine are essentially free of impurities. The disclosure further provides method of preparing the acetate salts, buprenorphine free base prepared from the acetate salts, other salts prepared from the free base, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof essentially free of impurities.

The present invention provides a method of providing pain relief in a human subject in need thereof comprising administering (R)-dihydroetorphine to said subject, wherein said (R)-dihydroetorphine is administered in a dose of at least 0.01 g/kg, preferably at least 0.05 g/kg, and the level of respiratory depression in said subject is 65 or less % relative to the baseline level pre-administration of (R)-dihydroetorphine.

The present invention provides a method of providing pain relief in a human subject in need thereof comprising administering (R)-dihydroetorphine to said subject, wherein said (R)-dihydroetorphine is administered in a dose of at least 0.01 g/kg, preferably at least 0.05 g/kg, and the level of respiratory depression in said subject is 65 or less % relative to the baseline level pre-administration of (R)-dihydroetorphine.

The present disclosure provides acetate salts of buprenorphine, and its anhydrates, solvates, hydrates, and crystalline forms thereof, where the acetate salts of buprenorphine are essentially free of impurities. The disclosure further provides method of preparing the acetate salts, buprenorphine free base prepared from the acetate salts, other salts prepared from the free base, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof essentially free of impurities.