15 July 2018 :

Execution Halted On Claims State Obtained Execution Drug Through “Subterfuge”. In response to a lawsuit filed by pharmaceutical manufacturer Alvogen, Inc., Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez has stayed the July 11, 2018, execution of Scott Dozier and issued a temporary restraining order barring Nevada from using drugs produced by Alvogen to execute Dozier. Saying Nevada had obtained a supply of the drug-maker's sedative midazolam “by subterfuge,” the multibillion-dollar generic drug company sued Nevada and the state Department of Corrections on July 10 to prevent the state from using its drugs in any execution. In granting the restraining order, District Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez wrote that the misuse of midazolam in an execution would result in “irreparable harm to Alvogen’s reputation as a company that produces life-enhancing and life-saving drugs” and that the damage to its business reputation could adversely affect investor and customer relations. Alvogen has a policy not to accept direct orders from prison systems or departments of correction and “does not condone the use of any of its drug products, including midazolam, for use in state sponsored executions.” The Clark County court has ordered a status conference in this case for September 10. Dozier's execution warrant remains active through the end of the week, and it remains possible that Nevada may appeal the temporary restraining order and seek to lift the stay.