Drugmakers object to Arkansas execution secrecy measure

— Two pharmaceutical companies objected to legislative efforts to expand the secrecy surrounding the source of Arkansas’ lethal injection drugs, saying the proposal would hamper their ability to ensure their products aren’t being used for executions. “It is imperative that we are not impeded from protecting patient health and upholding the protocols we have put in place to monitor the integrity of our products and supply chain.” Fresenius Kabi USA said it was worried about unintended consequences of such a measure, such as drug shortages due to European Union regulations aimed at preventing the export of drugs that would be used in executions. “My concern is that the proposed secrecy laws in Arkansas might prevent us from being able to audit these distribution controls and assure their effectiveness,” John Ducker, the company’s president and CEO, said in a letter sent to Hutchinson, as well as members of the House Judiciary Committee. “If one of our drugs were to be used in lethal injection in Arkansas, this would amount to a breach of our contracts, and it could have far-reaching consequences for public health, given the European Union’s view on capital punishment.” The Republican sponsor of the measure said he’s not worried about any unintended consequences.