PRESSURE ON FOR NEW DRUG TEST

STATE and Federal drug strategy ministers are pushing for fast registration
of a new drug to fight heroin addiction.

The drug, buprenorphine, is a mix of morphine and naltrexone and acts in a
unique way to provide half the dose of morphine to keep the user controlled.

The naltrexone works to block the effects of any extra dose, according to WA
Drug Abuse Strategy Office executive director Terry Murphy, who supports a
trial.

Mr Murphy said the drug was less dangerous than naltrexone because if
someone did stop the drug and use heroin they would not be as likely to die.

Naltrexone doctor George O'Neil said last week that opioid-based drugs such
as methadone had not worked as effectively as naltrexone to reduce the use
of heroin in WA.

The use of naltrexone for rapid detoxification will not be covered by the
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme until more research is done.