Some are calling it a "game-changer" in the battle against methamphetamine labs—a new form of pseudoephedrine that apparently can't be used to make the dangerous and addictive drug.
The product, Tarex, was developed by Highland Pharmaceuticals, a suburban St. Louis company that hopes to have it on the market by summer under the brand name Releva.
Some narcotics officers believe Tarex holds promise in finally turning the tide against meth labs. A key to meth-making is crystallization. Highland Pharmaceuticals says that rather than crystallizing when heated with chemicals used in meth-making, Tarex results in a gooey substance.
A Missouri House committee on Wednesday heard testimony on a proposal to require a prescription for pseudoephedrine, but it would exempt products like Tarex that can't be turned into meth.
