45 years ago, a drug called Naloxone was approved by the FDA for treatment of Opioid overdoses. Now, the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) and NIH (National Institute of Health) have entered an agreement with Eagle Pharmaceuticals to explore the usage of Ryanodex in the treatment of MDMA (Molly) overdoses. Specifically, Ryanodex will help treat drug users experiencing symptoms of pathological thermal regulation (hypothermia). In laymen’s terms, this drug would “act like an ice pack for the brain”.
Scott Tarriff, President and CEO of Eagle Pharmaceuticals issued the following statement on the news:
“We are very pleased to be working alongside the NIH to explore the potential of Ryanodex to reduce elevated body and brain temperature resulting from the use of Ecstasy and Methamphetamine. Results of our recently completed clinical study of Ryanodex for Exertional Heat Stroke indicated that patients receiving Ryanodex in addition to standard of care (SOC) — which is currently limited to body cooling and supportive measures — experienced an incremental therapeutic benefit over patients receiving SOC only.”
This is hopefully a giant step towards reducing overdoses at music events. The NIDA will begin the studies over the summer. For now, be sure to party responsibly and look out for one another.
Source / Streetinsider.com