Two California representatives are urging Congress to investigate opioid manufacturers, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), both members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, sent a letter to the committee chairs, saying an immediate investigation was necessary "to fully understand the implications and consequences of pharmaceutical companies that do not fulfill their legal and ethical requirements to restrict the sale of opioids in circumstances that raise suspicion regarding inappropriate prescribing practices," according to the article.
They added, "There appears to be a pervasive disregard for patient safety and public health by some within the pharmaceutical industry."
The congressmen specifically cited a Los Angeles Times investigation that revealed the maker of OxyContin gathered extensive evidence of criminal trafficking of its drug but in many cases failed to notify law enforcement, according to the article. The report concerned the workings of the internal security department of Purdue Pharma, a private pharmaceutical company based in Stamford, Conn.
A spokesman for Purdue declined to comment to the Los Angeles Times and has denied allegations that the company did not comply with the law.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
Police: Man punched nurse at W. Va. hospital ED
Judge rejects physicians’ request to suspend California assisted suicide law
Michigan health department appeals secret court order