Opioids
University of Montana working on vaccine for fentanyl, heroin overdose
A vaccine to prevent overdosing on fentanyl and one for heroin are in the works at the University of Montana and partner institutions. Human trials are expected to start in early 2024 for both vaccines, according to UM. UM researcher Jay Evans, who leads a campus center working on the vaccines and co-founded university corporate […]
Death rates for people under 40 have skyrocketed. Blame fentanyl
A new Stateline analysis shows that U.S. residents under 40 were relatively unscathed by COVID-19 in the pandemic but fell victim to another killer: accidental drug overdose deaths. Death rates in the age group were up by nearly a third in 2021 over 2018, and last year were still 21% higher. COVID-19 was a small […]
University of Alabama and rural communities receive federal funding to combat opioid crisis
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) last week announced $1.45 million in funding aimed at bolstering rural communities in Alabama’s fight against the overdose risk associated with fentanyl and other opioids. $600,000 of the $1.45 million will go to two organizations to help address “immediate needs […]
Senate Committee votes to repeal 2019 law regulating opioid disorder therapies
The Senate Healthcare Committee Wednesday voted to repeal a 2019 law that regulated therapies for opioid addiction. Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, said in committee Wednesday that “gradual changes in the federal law” stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic meant the law was no longer necessary. SB 239 passed on a voice vote. It moves to the […]
Funding needed to curb fentanyl smuggling at ports of entry, administration officials say
WASHINGTON — Biden administration officials at a U.S. Senate hearing Wednesday on the deadly illicit drug fentanyl said they need more money for better screening technology at ports of entry at the Southern border. They also said the U.S. needs to keep pressure on China due to its role in the sale of chemicals used […]