Switzerland's Dependence on a Diamorphine Monopoly.

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State: Public
Version: Final published version
License: CC BY 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_9B908E74FFA0
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Publication sub-type
Review (review): journal as complete as possible of one specific subject, written based on exhaustive analyses from published work.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Switzerland's Dependence on a Diamorphine Monopoly.
Journal
Frontiers in psychiatry
Author(s)
Schmitt-Koopmann C., Baud C.A., Junod V., Simon O.
ISSN
1664-0640 (Print)
ISSN-L
1664-0640
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2022
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
13
Pages
882299
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article ; Review
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
In 2021, the manufacturer of diamorphine reported a possible impending shortage for Switzerland and Germany. This led us to investigate this controlled medicine's manufacture, market, and regulatory constraints. Based on our analysis of legal texts and gray literature in the form of reports and documents, we propose recommendations to prevent and address diamorphine shortages in Switzerland. Diamorphine, also known as pharmaceutical "heroin," is used medically to treat persons with severe opioid use disorder in a handful of countries. The controlled medicine is manufactured from morphine, which, in turn, is extracted from opium poppies. Studying data from the International Narcotics Control Board for 2019, we find that Switzerland accounts for almost half of the worldwide medical consumption of diamorphine. It manufactures more than half of the worldwide total and keeps the largest stocks. Moreover, Switzerland is dependent on a sole supplier of diamorphine (monopoly). As a niche product, diamorphine has an increased risk of shortage. Such a shortage would immediately threaten a valuable public health program for around 1,660 Swiss patients. We believe it is urgent to curtail the monopoly and ensure a stable supply for the future.
Keywords
Psychiatry and Mental health, Switzerland, diamorphine, manufacturing, market, shortages
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
20/05/2022 17:20
Last modification date
23/11/2022 8:13
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