DEA GOAL - PROTECT THE PUBLIC

Recently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has become
aware of the increasing abuse and diversion of the powerful narcotic
OxyContin. For those suffering from intractable pain, it provides
critical relief. For others, it is a powerful substitute for heroin.
The DEA's responsibility is to prevent the diversion of addictive
pharmaceutical controlled substances while ensuring adequate supplies
for legitimate medical needs.

Since its introduction in 1996, the number of OxyContin prescriptions
has increased 1,800% to 6 million in 2000. There are also increased
reports from medical examiners, drug-abuse treatment centers, law
enforcement personnel and pharmacists about the abuse and diversion of
this drug.

Emergency department and coroner reports involving the active
ingredient in OxyContin have increased 200% and 400% respectively
since 1996. For the year 2000, the DEA has also received 291 coroner
reports from the six states most affected. Treatment programs in such
states as Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Virginia reported
between 50% and 90% of new patients said OxyContin was their primary
drug of abuse. In some cases, entire towns have suffered the effects
of illicit OxyContin abuse.

The DEA responded to this critical public-health problem in a measured
and reasonable manner by establishing an ongoing dialogue with the
health-care community, pharmaceutical industry and other government
agencies to ensure OxyContin is appropriately prescribed and available
to those who truly need it. There is consensus within the
pain-management community that many doctors don't have the training to
properly treat chronic pain, leading many to prescribe this powerful
narcotic to individuals who seek the drug for non-medical reasons.

The DEA appreciates the attention given to this issue, as it has
increased the awareness of the medical community and the public about
the potential dangers of potent narcotics such as OxyContin. However,
it has also served to unfairly raise concerns that the DEA may place
undue restrictions on the availability of this drug, depriving those
with a legitimate need. This is untrue. Americans should be confident
that the DEA will not only ensure that OxyContin is adequately
supplied, but also that the public will be protected from injury or
death associated with the diversion and abuse of OxyContin.