Dallas-based drug manufacturer Apothecure sued by Texas Attorney General

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today announced that his office has joined an enforcement action against a Dallas-based drug manufacturer and pharmacist, Apothecure Inc. The state charged Apothecure with formulating a highly potent injectable painkiller mixture that is associated with three deaths in Oregon and Washington.

Texas also took action against Spectra Pharm Inc., an Apothecure-owned retail store that advertises and sells over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements. The states of Oregon and Texas are jointly prosecuting this enforcement effort.

“These defendants are charged with violating state and federal laws that protect patients from unlawful or dangerous pharmaceutical products,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texas pharmacies and drug manufacturers must comply with the law. We will continue working with authorities to protect the health and safety of all Texans.”

The highly potent drug linked to the west coast deaths, Colchicine, is only recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of gout. However, according to court documents filed by the Attorney General, Apothecure formulated Colchicine to treat neck and back pain.

Apothecure’s formula far exceeded normal potency levels, yet it failed to safeguard patients by testing the mixture for potency strength, another violation. The company sold the drug in Oregon, where the state’s health officials found that its use resulted in three deaths -- two in Oregon and one in Washington. The victims were given dosages with a potency of 4 milligrams per milliliter, rather than the 0.5 milligrams per milliliter stated on the government-approved dosage labels. In addition, Apothecure is charged with violating Oregon law by distributing drugs in that state without a state-issued pharmacy or drug manufacturing license.

Source: Texas Attorney General