Following the actions taken by Teva and Hospira in blocking the use of the anaesthetic propofol in capital punishment in March, Hikma Pharmaceuticals has issued a statement objecting to the use of its injectable drug phenobarbital being used by the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
“Hikma strongly objects to the use of any of its products in capital punishment,” the statement reads, followed by a series of measures restricting the supply of the anti-convulsant to US departments of correction.
These include ceasing the direct sale of the drug and working with Hikma’s distribution partners to ensure the drug is not sold as an aid in executions.
The “concrete steps” that the UK-based drug firm – who recently turned down several offers to sell its injectable business – is taking were commended by anti-capital punishment charity Reprieve whose Deputy Director, Maya Foa, said in a statement: “Like that of many other companies before them, [Hikma’s action] demonstrates that the pharmaceutical industry is not willing to see its drugs used to kill prisoners.”