Roche Reformulates "Date-Rape" Drug
Hoffmann-La Roche, concerned about reports of alleged misuse and abuseof its hypnotic agent Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), has reformulated the product, it says. The new color-releasing formulation has been approved by the UK Medicines Control Agency, while the Department of Health and the Home Office intend to make possession of the drug without a prescription illegal.
The original tablets, which are also known as "roofies," are said to be used by rapists to sedate their victims. Although there have been no proven cases in the UK, in the USA Rohypnol has been linked to hundreds of cases of rape. However, Roche Products issued a statement in which it said that "no forensic or police evidence has, to our knowledge, been produced to support these reports."
Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine legally available on prescription for the treatment of severe sleep disorders. However the sedative, when added to a drink, is tasteless and has no smell, and is also associated with amnesia.
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