In an effort to enhance efforts in addressing the opioid crisis, the National Center for Addiction Studies and Treatment (NCAST) has formally separated from the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS). The separation, finalized through an agreement facilitated by Attorney General Gentner Drummond on September 26, allows both organizations to follow independent but aligned strategies in tackling one of the nation’s ongoing public health issues.
While OSU-CHS will continue its mission to provide clinical treatment and patient care alongside training healthcare professionals, NCAST will devote its efforts to groundbreaking research. Since its inception in March 2019 through a settlement between the State of Oklahoma and Purdue Pharma, NCAST has been at the forefront of developing non-addictive pain medication and more effective overdose reversal drugs. According to a statement on Oklahoma's Official Website, the foundational goals of NCAST include advancing human clinical trials that could lead to improved treatment modalities.
OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens supported the transition, stating, “This transition enables OSU-CHS to deepen our commitment to providing excellent clinical care and training healthcare professionals.” He highlighted how the center’s focus on treatment aligns with its broader mission in health sciences and its capacity to make a direct impact on individuals facing addiction. NCAST Board Chairman Tucker Link also welcomed the change, describing it as “a significant advancement and opportunity for public health in Oklahoma,” as per the news release.
Attorney General Drummond described the agreement as beneficial for the state of Oklahoma, highlighting that it allows OSU-CHS to more fully focus on a comprehensive approach to addiction and pain management education and clinical care, without being limited by NCAST's separate research-oriented goals.
