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Article: Alternative to Methadone Hits Snags; FDA Takes Its Time.
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
- Article date:
- September 16, 2002
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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By John Keilman, Chicago Tribune Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Sep. 16--Over the last decade, researchers in Chicago and around the nation have touted a medication called buprenorphine as a breakthrough therapy for heroin addicts--a safer alternative to methadone that could revolutionize drug treatment.
But despite keen anticipation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to keep the drug off the American market, despite years of success in clinical trials and extensive use overseas.
The delay has mystified some observers, disheartened addicts and driven at least a few doctors to dispense buprenorphine unlawfully, risking ...