Is it a Risky Move to Conduct Trials of OxyCotin on Children?

With the patent about to wear off in 2013, OxyContin’s manufacturer, Purdue Pharma, is in the process of testing the medicine in children.

An ABC News story reported that the tests would secure an extra six months of protection for the drug’s patent. The move is controversial though, largely because of the addictive properties of OxyCotin even in adults. However, some doctors already prescribe the drug for children suffering extreme pain. Purdue Pharma, and supporters of the move, say the tests are important because the results will give a more accurate picture of the drug’s effect on children. OxyCotin belongs to the opioids family of drugs, which include such drugs as morphine and heroin. Running tests with such strong and addictive medications is causing concern. 

Purdue Pharma claims it is not trying to make a kid’s version of the drug or seeking U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. It claims it is trying to find out how the drug behaves in the bodies of children. It would be used to treat severe pain conditions like cancer, severe burns, etc.

Addiction to prescription drugs such as OxyCotin has become a real concern in the U.S. A study funded by the National Institute of drug Abuse found that in 2010 2.1 percent of eighth-graders, 4.6 percent of 10^th graders and 5.1 percent of 12^th graders had abused OxyContin for non-medical purposes. In addition, 40 people a day are reported to die from overdoes of such medications as Oxycotin.

In the light of all this, do you think it is a wise move to conduct tests with children using type of drug?