US prison ‘fraudulently’ obtained sedative for lethal injection, claims Alvogen

By Flora Southey

- Last updated on GMT

(Image: Getty/AVNphotolab)
(Image: Getty/AVNphotolab)

Related tags Alvogen midazolam Nevada

Alvogen has won a court order preventing the Nevada Department of Corrections from using its sedative drug product, midazolam, in an execution.

A temporary restraining order has blocked the Nevada Department of Corrections from using Alvogen’s midazolam in an execution due to take place yesterday. The drug was intended to be used as a sedative, prior to delivery of the lethal injections.

Alvogen had claimed the Department fraudulently obtained the drug. “Alvogen does not accept direct orders from prison systems or departments of correction,” ​CEO Halldor Kristmannson told us.

“Alvogen also works with its distributors and wholesalers to restrict any sale, either directly or indirectly, of our midazolam product to any prison system or department of corrections,”​ he added. 

While the firm does not take a political stance on executions, Alvogen “does not condone the use of any of its drug products, including midazolam, for use in state sponsored executions,” ​said Kristmannson.

Alvogen joins a growing list of pharmaceutical companies that have objected to their drug products being using in executions. In March 2013​, Teva and Hospira pledged to restrict distribution of anaesthetic propofol as a lethal injection ingredient.

Two months later​, injectables manufacturer Hikma took measures to stop its drugs being used in lethal injections, and, in November 2017​, Pfizer demanded 31 US states return propriety drugs intended for use in capital punishment.

Related topics Markets & Regulations Regulations

Related news

Show more