Oklahoma Will Continue Using Replacement Drug For Executions

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma prison officials say they will continue using a sedative as part of the state's three-drug protocol for executing death row inmates in spite of objections by the drug's manufacturer.

Denmark-based Lundbeck, Inc. produces the drug pentobarbital and has said it opposes using the drug in lethal injections. The company has sent a letter asking the state to stop the practice. But Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokesman Jerry Massie said Thursday that no changes are planned.

Massie says corrections officials have not seen the manufacturer's letter. Alex Weintz, spokesman for Gov. Mary Fallin, says members of the governor's staff also have not seen the letter and will withhold comment.

Oklahoma has used the pentobarbital in three executions. Ohio officials also plan to use the drug.