LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Nevada Supreme Court ruled Monday that the name of the physician picked to attend a state inmate's execution can remain secret, even from drug makers suing to ban use of their products in the twice-postponed lethal injection.
In a twist, three pharmaceutical companies that won the right to the name last week and had promised to sue the doctor once they got it said they welcomed Monday's high court order.
Attorney Todd Bice, representing drug firm Alvogen, told a state court judge the high court decision supports companies' arguments that corporate reputations would be harmed if their drugs are used.
The judge in Las Vegas is due to begin hearing testimony Tuesday about how Nevada prison officials obtained drugs made by Alvogen, Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA and Sandoz Inc.