Updated May 4, 2018

The rise of newer, deadlier opioids

Stef W. Kight, Harry Stevens

Synthetic opioids, some of the most potent drugs, were involved in close to half of all opioid deaths in 2016 and 30% of overdose deaths overall, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Expand chart
Data: Journal of the American Medical Association; Chart: Harry Stevens/Axios

Between the lines: Prescription drugs had been the primary cause of overdose deaths — in 2011, only 6% of overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids. But now these more dangerous, often illicit drugs, primarily fentanyl, are driving the ever-rising overdose death toll.

Be smart: While prescription and synthetic opioids have grabbed the most attention in headlines and from the administration, deaths involving heroin, cocaine and even psycho-stimulants are also on the rise.

Go deeper: Opioid prescription rates dropping across the country.

Go deeper

Caitlin Owens

Trump's moves on drug importation, may not achieve much

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Even if the Trump administration is able to implement its latest plan to let people import prescription drugs from Canada, it probably won't make much of a difference, experts say.

Between the lines: Canada doesn't have nearly enough drugs to meet American demand, and even if it did, it doesn't want to send them to us at the expense of its own market.

Go deeperArrowDec 19, 2019
Caitlin Owens

A venture capitalist wants to mimic blockbuster drugs at a lower price

A venture capitalist is launching a company today to create new drugs that mimic the effects of blockbuster drugs, and then sell them to insurers and hospital systems at a lower price, STAT reports.

Between the lines: The key question is whether insurers and hospitals will buy these new drugs over their competitors.

Go deeperArrowJan 13, 2020
Marisa Fernandez

Teen drug use in 5 stats

Drug use among teenagers is dropping, according to new federal statistics published in JAMA on Wednesday. Fewer teens are abusing prescription drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.

Between the lines: Marijuana use is steady overall, but has shifted from smoking to vaping — and vaping THC products can be dangerous.

Go deeperArrowDec 18, 2019