DEA OKs Meth Imports for Science: Breaking Bad or Legit Meds?
Published Date: 3/6/2025
Notice
Summary
Aphena Pharma Solutions MD, LLC wants to become an official importer of certain controlled substances, including methamphetamine. This means they’ll be allowed to bring these drugs into the U.S. for medical or scientific use. People who might be affected can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by April 7, 2025, so don’t miss that deadline!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Company applied to import methamphetamine
On November 21, 2024, Aphena Pharma Solutions MD, LLC applied to be registered as an importer of methamphetamine (drug code 1105, Schedule II). The company says it plans to import methamphetamine for internal use in manufacturing an FDA‑approved exempt over‑the‑counter (OTC) drug product. The application explicitly limits the registration to that basic class of controlled substance.
Import registration excludes finished drug products
The notice states that no other activity for the methamphetamine drug code is authorized under this registration and that authorization will not extend to the import of FDA‑approved or non‑approved finished dosage forms for commercial sale. Approval of permit applications will occur only when the registrant's business activity is consistent with 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2).
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