Shortage of injectable pentobarbital for execution by lethal injection

H. Lundbeck A/S, a global pharmaceutical company located in Denmark, is the only US licensed provider of pentobarbital. Their press release makes clear the company's determination to do whatever necessary to avoid the use of their drug for execution by lethal injection. Currently they have reorganized their distribution system with the intent of supplying the drug for therapeutic purposes only, and will continue to evaluate how their drug is being used. The drug has a two year expiration date, making present prison supplies unavailable for executions after 2013. The state of Texas has enough for the eight executions scheduled, but will not comment on supplies available after Lawrence Russell Brewer's execution September 21st.