Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 3, 2019 02:31 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Harry Readshaw and Rep. Thomas L. Mehaffie, III |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Supporting Diversion-Resistant Injectable Opioid |
As we all know, the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic continues to ravage our Commonwealth and our nation. In 2018, there were approximately 4,491 accidental drug overdose deaths in the state. One contributor to this epidemic is the fact that prescription opioids are more likely to be diverted for non-therapeutic use or otherwise misused than other prescription medications. I believe that we as lawmakers must do everything in our power to not only provide treatment for those struggling with addiction, but also to prevent others from becoming addicted going forward. That is why I will soon be introducing a resolution recognizing and supporting Fathom Pharma LLC, a biotechnology company with its main lab right here in Hummelstown, for its work in developing an long-acting injectable pain relief (LAIPR) opioid medication. The LAIPR will provide the pain relief that patients need while resisting misuse and diversion. Like an allergy shot, it would be administered in a doctor’s office and provide continuous relief for anywhere between 3 and 90 days. This means the use of this pain treatment would take opioid pills off the streets and reduce the risk of overdose. Not only would Fathom Pharma’s LAIPR help combat the opioid epidemic, but it would also bring innovation to Pennsylvania that would be useful at home and across the nation. Please join me in lending support to this promising pain relief treatment. |
Introduced as HR588