Purdue Pharma
Encyclopedia
Purdue Pharma L.P., is a privately held pharmaceutical company
founded by physician
s and now located in Stamford, Connecticut
, USA. In its early years, Purdue was known for its antiseptic
product, Betadine Solution
, and its Senokot laxatives. Today, it is best known for its pain-treatment products, MS Contin
and OxyContin, but it has also branched into other areas such as oncology
and nutraceutical
s.
and George Frederick Bingham
on Manhattan’s
Lower East Side. In 1952, the company is sold to Drs. Raymond
and Mortimer Sackler
, and in 1962, the company is relocated to Yonkers, NY. Over the course of the years, the company expands and relocates offices to New Jersey
and Connecticut
. It isn’t until 1991 that Purdue Pharma L.P. is actually formed. They are engaged in the research, development, production, and marketing of prescription and over the counter medications. The products they develop are mostly directed towards pain management
and alleviation. They are the leaders the industry when it comes to pain management. A detailed timeline is provided below for more exact dates on the company’s history. As of 2010 it employed about 1,350 people.
The company's manufacturing takes place at three different sites, Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P., a plant located in Wilson, North Carolina; The P.F. Laboratories Inc. in Totowa, New Jersey; and Rhodes Technologies L.P. in Coventry, Rhode Island. Purdue Pharma L.P. also has research labs in Cranbury, New Jersey. OxyContin is currently distributed throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Distribution takes place from the P.F. Laboratories Inc. in Totowa, New Jersey
.
The controversy behind the company emerges as a result of the drugs that they manufacture and how they carry the high potential to be abused by previous drug abusers and people with a history of addiction. The most commonly abused medications that the company produces are MS Contin and OxyContin. Both can be abused by crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting the dissolved product. This is a significant risk to the abuser because it can result in overdose and death. Drug-seeking tactics that addicts undergo to obtain the medication will include “doctor shopping”, which is visiting a number of different physicians to obtain additional prescriptions, and refusal to follow up with appropriate examinations. Along with the high potential for abuse among people without prescriptions, there is also a risk for physical dependency and tolerance for patients that are prescribed them. Nevertheless, strong analgesic drugs remain indispensable to patients suffering from severe acute and cancer pain.
When Oxycontin was released in 1996, it was thought to have lower abuse potential than immediate-release oxycodone because of its time-release properties. However, at the start of 2000, widespread reports of OxyContin abuse surfaced. The results obtained from a proactive abuse surveillance program called Researched Abused, Diversion, and Addiciton-Related Surveillance(RADARS ) sponsored by Purdue Pharma L.P. pronounced Oxycontin and hydrocodone the most commonly abused pain medications.
Even though Oxycontin has a high risk of abuse, the patient is fully warned about these side effects. Those that choose to use them in illicit ways know what they are getting themselves into and continue down that path . The goal out of all of this is to hope that there are tighter prescribing practices, rather than a ban. When Oxycontin was first released in 1996, "This medicine has been very helpful," said Dr. James Everett of Weymouth, a cancer specialist affiliated with South Shore Hospital. "There are other shorter-acting pain drugs, but they have more side effects, including the potential for liver damage if given in excess dose." This shows that Oxycontin does have a benefit associated with it, and if deemed appropriate by one's doctor, it can provide life changing pain relief. Joe Levy of Apopka said he took 240 milligrams of OxyContin for three months and did not become addicted. "I don't know how I would have survived without it," he said. "Please don't intimidate the doctors, to a certain point, from prescribing OxyContin and make people suffer needlessly.""Please be aware valid pain patients such as myself have great concern," said Fred Brown, who said he has used OxyContin and other therapies to treat pain caused by failed back surgeries.
Attorney General
Richard Blumenthal
issued a statement urging Purdue to take action regarding abuse of Oxycontin; he noted that, while Purdue seemed sincere, there was little action being taken beyond "cosmetic and symbolic steps." After Purdue announced plans to reformulate the drug, Blumenthal noted that this would take time, and that "Purdue Pharma has a moral, if not legal, obligation to take effective steps now that address addiction and abuse even as it works to reformulate the drug." The company has since implemented a comprehensive program designed to assist in detection of the illegal trafficking and abuse of prescription drugs without compromising patient access to proper pain control.
In May 2007 the company pleaded guilty to misleading the public about Oxycontin's risk of addiction, and agreed to pay $600 million. Its president, top lawyer, and former chief medical officer pleaded guilty as individuals to misbranding charges, a criminal violation, and agreed to pay a total of $34.5 million in fines. In addition three top executives were charged with a felony and sentenced to 400 hours of community service in drug treatment programs.
On October 4, 2007 Kentucky officials sued Purdue because of widespread Oxycontin abuse in Appalachia. A lawsuit filed by Kentucky then-Attorney General Greg Stumbo and Pike County officials demands millions in compensation.
Pharmaceutical company
The pharmaceutical industry develops, produces, and markets drugs licensed for use as medications. Pharmaceutical companies are allowed to deal in generic and/or brand medications and medical devices...
founded by physician
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
s and now located in Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
, USA. In its early years, Purdue was known for its antiseptic
Antiseptic
Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction...
product, Betadine Solution
Betadine
Povidone-iodine is a stable chemical complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone and elemental iodine. It contains from 9.0% to 12.0% available iodine, calculated on a dry basis....
, and its Senokot laxatives. Today, it is best known for its pain-treatment products, MS Contin
MS Contin
MS Contin is a brand of a time-released formulation of morphine sulfate, usually taken every twelve hours for chronic pain. MS Contin is a trademark of Purdue Pharma....
and OxyContin, but it has also branched into other areas such as oncology
Oncology
Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer...
and nutraceutical
Nutraceutical
Nutraceutical, a portmanteau of the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”, is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and medical benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. Health Canada defines the term as "a product isolated or purified from foods that is...
s.
History
Purdue Pharma L.P. is a privately held pharmaceutical company founded in 1892 by Dr. John Purdue GrayJohn Purdue
John Purdue was a famous industrialist based in Lafayette, Indiana and the primary original benefactor of Purdue University.-Early life:...
and George Frederick Bingham
George Bingham
George Bingham may refer to:*George Bingham Divine and antiquary*Sir George Bingham Military Governor of Sligo 1569*Sir George Bingham, 2nd Baronet George Bingham may refer to:*George Bingham (divine) (1715–1800) Divine and antiquary*Sir George Bingham Military Governor of Sligo 1569*Sir George...
on Manhattan’s
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
Lower East Side. In 1952, the company is sold to Drs. Raymond
Raymond Sackler
Dr Raymond R. Sackler is an American physician, entrepreneur and philanthropist. With his brothers Arthur M. Sackler and Mortimer Sackler he founded the pharmaceutical company LTR Pharmaceutical which later took control of Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin.He received his bachelor of science...
and Mortimer Sackler
Mortimer Sackler
Dr Mortimer David Sackler KBE was an American physician and entrepreneur. With his brothers Arthur M. Sackler and Raymond Sackler he used his fortune from the pharmaceutical industry to become a prominent philanthropist....
, and in 1962, the company is relocated to Yonkers, NY. Over the course of the years, the company expands and relocates offices to New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
and Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. It isn’t until 1991 that Purdue Pharma L.P. is actually formed. They are engaged in the research, development, production, and marketing of prescription and over the counter medications. The products they develop are mostly directed towards pain management
Pain management
Pain management is a branch of medicine employing an interdisciplinary approach for easing the suffering and improving the quality of life of those living with pain. The typical pain management team includes medical practitioners, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,...
and alleviation. They are the leaders the industry when it comes to pain management. A detailed timeline is provided below for more exact dates on the company’s history. As of 2010 it employed about 1,350 people.
Structure
The company's different branches include Purdue Pharma L.P., The Purdue Frederick Company, Purdue Pharmaceutical Products L.P., and Purdue Products L.P.The company's manufacturing takes place at three different sites, Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P., a plant located in Wilson, North Carolina; The P.F. Laboratories Inc. in Totowa, New Jersey; and Rhodes Technologies L.P. in Coventry, Rhode Island. Purdue Pharma L.P. also has research labs in Cranbury, New Jersey. OxyContin is currently distributed throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Distribution takes place from the P.F. Laboratories Inc. in Totowa, New Jersey
Totowa, New Jersey
Totowa is a borough in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2000 United States Census, the borough population was 9,892.Totowa was formed as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 15, 1898, from portions of the now-defunct Manchester Township and Wayne...
.
Controversy
Purdue Pharma is the leader in the industry when it comes to manufacturing pain medications such as hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl, codeine, and hydrocodone. They are most widely known for the production of drugs such as MS Contin, Oxycontin, and Ryzolt. In 1972, the idea of Contin, a controlled drug-release system is developed. In 1984, MS Contin(morphine sulfate-controlled-release Tablets) are developed and released. However, it wasn’t until 1996 when the commonly known and pain alleviation drug OxyContin is launched.The controversy behind the company emerges as a result of the drugs that they manufacture and how they carry the high potential to be abused by previous drug abusers and people with a history of addiction. The most commonly abused medications that the company produces are MS Contin and OxyContin. Both can be abused by crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting the dissolved product. This is a significant risk to the abuser because it can result in overdose and death. Drug-seeking tactics that addicts undergo to obtain the medication will include “doctor shopping”, which is visiting a number of different physicians to obtain additional prescriptions, and refusal to follow up with appropriate examinations. Along with the high potential for abuse among people without prescriptions, there is also a risk for physical dependency and tolerance for patients that are prescribed them. Nevertheless, strong analgesic drugs remain indispensable to patients suffering from severe acute and cancer pain.
When Oxycontin was released in 1996, it was thought to have lower abuse potential than immediate-release oxycodone because of its time-release properties. However, at the start of 2000, widespread reports of OxyContin abuse surfaced. The results obtained from a proactive abuse surveillance program called Researched Abused, Diversion, and Addiciton-Related Surveillance(RADARS ) sponsored by Purdue Pharma L.P. pronounced Oxycontin and hydrocodone the most commonly abused pain medications.
Even though Oxycontin has a high risk of abuse, the patient is fully warned about these side effects. Those that choose to use them in illicit ways know what they are getting themselves into and continue down that path . The goal out of all of this is to hope that there are tighter prescribing practices, rather than a ban. When Oxycontin was first released in 1996, "This medicine has been very helpful," said Dr. James Everett of Weymouth, a cancer specialist affiliated with South Shore Hospital. "There are other shorter-acting pain drugs, but they have more side effects, including the potential for liver damage if given in excess dose." This shows that Oxycontin does have a benefit associated with it, and if deemed appropriate by one's doctor, it can provide life changing pain relief. Joe Levy of Apopka said he took 240 milligrams of OxyContin for three months and did not become addicted. "I don't know how I would have survived without it," he said. "Please don't intimidate the doctors, to a certain point, from prescribing OxyContin and make people suffer needlessly.""Please be aware valid pain patients such as myself have great concern," said Fred Brown, who said he has used OxyContin and other therapies to treat pain caused by failed back surgeries.
Oxycontin-related lawsuits
Purdue has been involved in measures against prescription drug abuse, particularly of Oxycontin. In 2001, ConnecticutConnecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
Attorney General
Attorney General
In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general, or attorney-general, is the main legal advisor to the government, and in some jurisdictions he or she may also have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions.The term is used to refer to any person...
Richard Blumenthal
Richard Blumenthal
Richard Blumenthal is the junior United States Senator from Connecticut and a member of the Democratic Party. Previously, he served as Attorney General of Connecticut....
issued a statement urging Purdue to take action regarding abuse of Oxycontin; he noted that, while Purdue seemed sincere, there was little action being taken beyond "cosmetic and symbolic steps." After Purdue announced plans to reformulate the drug, Blumenthal noted that this would take time, and that "Purdue Pharma has a moral, if not legal, obligation to take effective steps now that address addiction and abuse even as it works to reformulate the drug." The company has since implemented a comprehensive program designed to assist in detection of the illegal trafficking and abuse of prescription drugs without compromising patient access to proper pain control.
In May 2007 the company pleaded guilty to misleading the public about Oxycontin's risk of addiction, and agreed to pay $600 million. Its president, top lawyer, and former chief medical officer pleaded guilty as individuals to misbranding charges, a criminal violation, and agreed to pay a total of $34.5 million in fines. In addition three top executives were charged with a felony and sentenced to 400 hours of community service in drug treatment programs.
On October 4, 2007 Kentucky officials sued Purdue because of widespread Oxycontin abuse in Appalachia. A lawsuit filed by Kentucky then-Attorney General Greg Stumbo and Pike County officials demands millions in compensation.