A new, lifesaving product aimed at reducing the death toll from heroin abuse — developed by a professor at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy — is in its final round of clinical trials and has received Fast Track designation by the Food and Drug Administration.

 The product, a nasal spray application of the anti-opioid drug naloxone, was developed byDaniel Wermeling, UK professor of pharmacy practice and science, through his startup company AntiOp Inc.

 Naloxone is the standard treatment for suspected opioid overdose, already in use by emergency rooms and emergency medical technicians across the country. Opioids are the class of pain-killing drugs that are related to morphine, including prescription drugs such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin.

 Currently, naloxone is administered by injection.  MORE…