By 2005, Britannia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. of Great Britain could have its drug lofexidine available in the U.S. to help detoxify individuals addicted to heroin and other opiates, the Wall Street Journal reported Nov. 18.
Currently, lofexidine is used in Britain to treat withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Britannia Pharmaceuticals has licensed U.S. rights for the drug to US WorldMeds LLC in Louisville, Ky.
“We are hoping that the success in the U.K. will be replicated in the U.S.,” said Max Noble, Britannia Pharmaceuticals’ managing director.
A large trial of the drug is expected to begin next year, according to P. Breckinridge Jones, chief executive of US WorldMeds. The company hopes to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to market the drug by the end of 2005.
Source: www.jointogether.org