Maker of Zohydro Sues Massachusetts to Block Ban

The maker of a new opioid-based painkiller that health officials worry will lead to more addiction issues has gone to court suing to overturn a ban in Massachusetts, according to The Associated Press.

Zogenix, the maker of Zohyrdro, filed the suit in U.S. District Court requesting the court overturn an executive order by Gov. Deval Patrick, D-MA, banning prescriptions of the drug.

The company, which is based in California, noted that the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug last year. Zohydro is the only extended release capsule form of hydrocodone bitartrate available on the market and is recommended for use to those who need “alternative treatment options” that “are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain,” according to the drug makers’ website.

According to reports, the drug was approved without tamper resistant safeguards and is more potent that other forms of the drug, which worries public health officials. The worries, and the ever increasing heroin, Oxycodone, and other substance abuse addiction issues, described as a public health emergency by some, have led to legislation to ban the drug in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Vermont. Similar legislation will also be filed soon in New Hampshire. 

Last month, U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-MA, has also co-sponsored legislation to rescind the FDA approval, while 28 states requested the FDA last year to “reassess” its approval the drug, according to DrugFree.org.

Read the full report from The Associated Press here.