LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Swiss pharmaceutical company has issued a voluntary recall of a lethal injection drug held by Nebraska. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it won't enforce the decision.
Naari AG asked Nebraska officials to quarantine its supply of sodium thiopental and return it to the company or the FDA. The company said in a recall letter that the product was "illegally diverted from the company's supply chain."
Nebraska officials say they obtained the supply in a legitimate manner and will not return it.
Sodium thiopental has been in short supply since 2010, when the only U.S. manufacturer, Hospira Incorporated, ended production because of death penalty opposition from overseas customers.
Then, the European Union banned the export of sodium thiopental, further diminishing its availability as a lethal injection drug.
Michael Ryan, sentenced to death in Richardson County District Court for murders at a farm north of Rulo in the 1980’s has filed an appeal because of the states intent to use sodium thiopental in his execution.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Hiawatha man charged after escape from police custody
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 115 board fails to fill vacancy after 3 votes
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
Lansing man arrested in overdose death
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
LATEST STORIES
Winter help deadlines fast approaching
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
Easter celebrations set for Atchison
Nemaha Co Commission approves grant applications
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
Hiawatha street repair project approved
Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska
RELATED STORIES
Lawyer Seeks Review of Neb. Lethal Injection Drug
Nebraska Won't Return Drug for Execution
State of Nebraska Asks Supreme Court to Dismiss Ryan Appeal
FDA Orders Nebraska to Return Supply of Thiopental
Federal Ruling Could Affect Michael Ryan Case
Nebraska AG Asks Supreme Court to Reject Ryan Appeal