Zohydro is here. The first and only analgesic with hydrocodone as the sole active ingredient, comes to us in non-tamper resistant formulation. As expected, the debate has been heated. What may not have been expected are the moves some state leaders are making in attempts to preempt the drug's potentially negative impact.
A couple of weeks ago, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick took a particularly bold step when he declared a public health emergency and, among other things, prohibited the sale of Zohydro within the state.
Zogenix, maker of Zoyhdro, is now suing the Governor to block the ban.
FYI... Zogenix stock is up 62% from this time last year, though down significantly from its high in late February (when it was up 210% from April 2013... before the public health community, state and federal politicians, and right-minded doctors starting pushing back. Since hitting its high of $4.93 on February 25, the stock is down 47% at $2.60 as of this afternoon).
So who wins? A well-intentioned governor trying to protect the citizens of his state? Or the pharma company with a new drug that has FDA approval?
Michael
On Twitter @PRIUM1
